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UNIVERSITY  OF  N.C.  AT  CHAPEL  HILL 


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QoJ^'^l^l.tAiXS^^ 


TliE  INFLUENCE  OF  CHRISTIANITY  UPON  THE  WELFARE 
OF  NATIONS. 


ATT 


ORATION, 


CELIVERED  AT 

CHAPEL-HILL, 

On  Wednesday*  June  22, 1831,  the  day  preceding  Conimencement  at  the 
University  of  North-Carolinaj 

ACCORDING  TO 

THE  ANNUAL  APPOINTMENT 


THE   TWO   LITERARY   SOCIETIES 


BELONGING  TO  THE 


UNSVERSlTir. 


BY  THE  REV.  WILLIAM  MERCER  GREEN 


A,' 


HILLSBOROUGH: 

rPvJNTED  BY  DENNIS  HEARTT. 

I8S1. 


«^5t 


iLsr  WMi.ism^ 


V%^VV\tVWVW 


Young  Gentlemen: 

In  entering  upon  the  duties  which  your  partiality,  1 
fear,  rather  than  your  sober  discretion,  has  assigned  rae, 
permit  me,  at  the  same  time  that  I  thank  you  for  this  unde- 
served distinction,  to  bespeak  at  your  hands  that  charitable 
judgment  which  is  the  usual  attendant  as  well  as  the  bright- 
est ornament  of  enlightened  minds.  Let  me  hope,  also,  that 
you  will  sustain  mo  in  the  assurance  now  given  to  this  re- 
spected audience,  that  the  distinguished  honour  of  being 
your  speaker  on  this  occasion  was  not  only  unsought  but 
even  deprecated  by  me;  and  that  t(io,  neither  from  unwil- 
lingness to  serve  you,  nor  from  that  vain  show  of  modesty 
which  courts  solicitation  whilst  it  would  seem  to  sbun  it; 
but  from  the  hearty  desire  of  having  due  honour  paid  to 
your  annual  appointments,  and  from  ttje  unpretending  con-- 
sciousness  of  my  insufficiency  for  the  task. 

But  a  few  years  have  intervened  since  your  speaker,  like 
yourselves,  was  a  tenant  of  these  classic  walls.  The  peri- 
od of  his  acquaintance  with  the  world  has  therefore  been  too 
brief  to  qualify  him  for  the  part  of  your  sage  adviser;  his 
manner  of  life  has  been  too  much  estranged  from  the  din  of 
political  contention  to  furnish  him  with  any  of  its  spirit- 
stirring  themes;  and  his  attention  too  closely  restricted  to 
the  sober  contemplation  of  divine  things,  to  enable  him  to 
entertain  you,  at  this  time,  with  either  the  Howers  of  fancy, 
the  rich  treasures  of  general  science,  the  studied  piirases  of 
the  dialectician,  or  tbe  harmonious  periods  of  showy  rhe- 
toriCo 

B 


'The  subject  sele-rted  for  your  consideration,  though  ol 
somewhat  serious  aspect,  is  nevertheless  rfplet*^  uith  inter- 
est to  the  patriot  and  philantbio{)ist  no  less  than  to  the 
christian — The  infeueivce  oi  Revelation  on  the  wei- 
PARE  OF  Nations. 

If  in  thus  consulting  your  profit  more  than  yoUr  momen- 
tary entertainment,  I  have  chosen  a  theme  which,  on  the 
first  announcement,  may  appear  better  suited  to  the  sacred 
desk  than  the  literary  rostrum,  let  me  find  my  excuse  in  the 
importance  of  the  subject  itself,  in  the  spirit  of  the  present 
age,  and  in  the  obligations  of  my  holy  calling.  And  let  me 
hope  also,  that  the  time  is  happily  gone  by  wlsen  such  a 
subjprt,  on  an  occasion  like  the  present,  would  have  met 
with  the  jepr  and  scoffing  of  not  only  the  youth  who  are 
here  in  training,  but  also  of  their  superiors  in  age,  who  hon- 
our with  tlveip  presence  the  a^inual  exercises  of  this  institu- 
tion. 

The  position,  then,  which  I  shaJI  seek  to  establish,  is  this 
— that  tiie  religion  of  the  Bible  is  the  highest  ornament  and 
the  surest  safeguard  of  natioiial  prosperity. 

It  is  one  of  the  infirmities  of  our  nature,  to  undervalue 
our  blessings  in  exact  proportion  to  the  extent  and  contin- 
uance of  their  enjoyment.  And  this  weakness  (if  it  deserve 
no  harsher  name)  extends  not  only  to  the  sun  and  air,  and 
other  elements  by  which  we  are  daily  held  in  being,  but 
even  to  the  more  marked  providences  of  plenty,  peace,  lib* 
erty  and  religion.  Accustomed  as  we  have  been  from  our 
infancy  to  a  state  of  peace  and  security,  and  surrounded  by 
every  blessing  Wiat  can  render  life  desirable;  instead  of  feel- 
ing oppressed  by  a  sense  of  these  daily  mercies,  we  are 
pron  to  forget  our  dependance  upon  the  hand  of  Gcd,  and 
to  took  upon  all  that  we  enjoy  as  our  own  underived  and 
inalienable  right.  To  cure  us  of  this  folly,  to  instruct  us 
in  the  true  secret  of  our  national  happiness,  and  V>  teach 
us  a  lesson  of  fervent  gratitude  to  the  Givt-r  of  all  gooJ,  it 
will^pniy  be  necessary  to  contrast  the  prei^ent  condition  of 


our  beloved  roui»ti'>  v>uu  that  of  tlie  mast  highly  favoured 
nations  of  either  ;  ?i'  irr.t  oi'  mn.ipru  Paganism. 

On  taking  up  the  mnp  of  the  world,  and  casting  our 
eyes  over  the  many  kindred  and  people  tiiat  inhabit  it,  we 
cannot  hut  rest  with  exultation  on  that  happy  spot  which 
we  are  privileged  to  call  our  na'ive  home.  But  whilst 
indulging  in  this  pardonable  pride,  and  losing  oujseives 
in  fond  anticipations  of  our  fuUire  glory,  it  becomes  us, 
as  enlightened  patriots  whu  drstre  t'la!  our  nation's  pros* 
perity  may  be  as  durable  as  it  is  p^^'-emineut,  to  inquire, 
what  it  is  that  maken  us  to  tliffpr  ?iom  other  nations.  Is  it 
the  extent  of  our  borders?  tlie  salubrity  of  nU'^  climate?  the 
magnitude  of  our  rivers?  the  capaciousness  of  our  harbours? 
or  the  fertijity  of  our  soil?  Can  we  find  in  any  or  eveo  aU 
of  these  natural  advantages,  an  adequate  cause  for  the  un- 
rivalled blessings  we  er)joy?  Can  these  sutficienily  account 
for  the  excellency  of  our  political  institutions,  our  literary 
privileges,  our  freedom  of  speech,  our  equality  of  rights, 
and  the  acknowledged  whoJesoraeness  of  our  laws?  No; 
other  nations  as  well  as  this  can  boast  a  genial  tniil,  a  tem- 
perate sky,  extensive  domains,  and  every  facility  for  suc- 
cessful commerce,  yet  are  most  of  them  far  behind  us  in 
the  enjoyment  of  those  higher  privileges  v,'hich  chkeflv  con- 
stitute a  nation's  happiness.  What  then  is  the  mighty  se- 
cret of  our  prosperity  ?  It  is,  in  the  opinion  ot  your  speaker, 
because  we  are  a  God-fearing  ptople;  because  we  enjoy  the 
pure  light  of  revelation,  and  are  blessed  with  the  unspeak- 
able privilege  of  serving  God  according  to  the  dictates  of 
enlightened  reason,  and  the  holy  precepts  of  his  written 
word.  To  become  convinced  of  this,  we  will  now  proceed 
to  examine  the  beneficial  effects  which  the  religion  of  the 
gospel  has  ever  exerted  on  the  welfare  of  nations. 

To  do  justice  to  this  inquiry,  it  will  be  necessary  to 
take  a  brief  survey  of  the  state  of  society,  both  moral  and 
civil,  in  the  Heathen  world,  before  the  advent  of  the  Son  of 
God,  that  we  may  the  better  contrast  it  with  the  condiliojo 


of  those  countries  in  the  present  day  which  are  blessed 
with  the  light  of  revelation.  And  in  doing  this,  it  will  not 
be  necessary  to  select  those  nations  of  ancient  times  which 
were  ever  of  a  barbarous  and  untameable  character;  nei- 
ther will  we  confine  our  views  to  any  one  unfavourable  era 
of  the  heathen  world;  but  we  will  fearlessly  take  the  re- 
publics of  Greece  and  Rome,  even  in  their  proudest  days, 
as  just  samples  of  the  utmost  limit  to  which  a  peoplj-'s  hap- 
piness may  be  extended  without  the  knowledge  of  God's 
revealed  will. 

It  is  usual  with  the  young  to  kindle  at  the  least  men- 
tion of  those  far-famed  republics,  and  to  associate  with 
their  names  all  that  is  great  in  valour,  or  honourable  in 
virtue;  therefore  the  task  of  dispelling  this  pleasing  illu- 
sion, and  of  pourtraying  these  people  in  their  true  moral 
colours,  is  an  unpleasant  one  at  all  times,  but  especially  on 
the  present  occasion,  when  your  speaker  stands  before  so 
many  young  and  enthusiastic  minds  who  have,  as  it  were, 
Just  risen  from  the  contemplation  of  their  stubborn  vir- 
tues and  martial  achievements.  But  however  ardently  the 
bosom  of  our  youth  may  respond  to  such  a  theme,  it  is  all- 
important  to  them  to  know  the  utterly  corrupt  state  of  these 
people,  even  at  the  very  time  when  their  public  virtues 
shone  the  brightest,  their  arms  were  most  successful,  and 
their  literature  most  distinguished. 

What  was  there,  then,  in  the  morality  of  ancient  Pa- 
ganism, to  promote  the  individual  happiness  of  man,  or  the 
general  well-being  of  society?  Their  mytholo,?y  was  no- 
thing but  a  compound  of  jarrings,  thefts,  robberies,  rapes, 
incest,  and  drunkenness;  their  religious  rites  were  stained 
with  obscenity  and  blood;  and  their  general  code  of  morals 
(if  any  code  they  bad)  was  a  just  counterpart  to  a  worship 
so  impure.  Whilst  some  of  their  philosophers  asserted  the 
being  of  a  God,  an  equal  number  denied  it,  and  others 
again  believed  in  gods  terrestrial,  aerial,  celestial,  and  in- 
fernal.   Whilst  a  few  of  their  wisest  men  conjectured  that 


t]m  earth  might  b?  the  work  of  some  creating  Jiantl,  a  Far 
greater  lusmber  held  that  it  was  self-macU-,  thit  it  exisJtd 
from  all  eternity,  or  that  it  sprung  from  a  for  uitous  con- 
course of  atoms.  The  consequence  of  these  discoidant  sen- 
timents were  tin"  grossest  poly  theism  and  idolatry  Both 
dead  and  living  persons  were  deifitd.  Temples  were  erf^rt- 
«d  to  all  the  passions,  diseases,  fears  and  evils  to  vltjch- 
the  human  family  is  liable.  Enlightened  Athens,  in  the  ze- 
nith of  her  renown,  was  so  filled  with  the  statues  of  the^ 
ima£;inary  deififs,  that  it  became  a  common  sayint;.  "In 
Athens  it  is  easier  to  find  a  god  than  a  many  Imperial 
Rome  too,  when  mistress  ot  tiie  wojJU  in  arms,  and  arts, 
and  letters,  crowded  into  her  capitol  all  'he  gods  ihiit  v\erR 
worshipped  by  the  various  nations  tributary  to  her  powei:, 
Such  was  tlie  theology  of  these  boasted  republics.  Noij 
were  they  less  ignorant  of  all  other  things  that  constiiate 
true  happiness  and  the  chief  good  of  man.  Th«y  kn.  w  not 
the  true  origin  of  evil;  and  althouglj  the  more  itflfting 
among  Jhem  could  not  shut  their  eyes  to  the  depraved  con- 
dition  of  man,  yet  t!>ey  could  neither  stay  its  course,  nor 
divine  its  cause.  Equally  ignorant  were  they  of  any  me^ 
thod  ordained  of  Heaven,  by  whirli  God  and  man  coulti  be 
reconciled,  and  the  pardon  and  blessedness  of  the  one  ni<tde 
consistent  with  the  holiness  and  justice  of  the  other.  The 
light  of  nature  was  sufficient  to  show  them  their  lost  esfate,, 
but  n'»t  the  great  Restorer  provided  for  it.  Ot  the  mercy  of 
God  they  could  learn  nithing  from  the  book  of  Pro\  lu'  nre., 
Inexorable  justice  fated  them  wherever  they  turned,  .inc]| 
made  their  whole  system  one  of  hopeless,  anxious,  ein'less, 
solicitude.  They  knew  nothing  of  the  all-powerful  b>'lp 
of  divine  grace  in  the  performance  of  duty.  They  enti  ruin* 
ed  but  crude  and  impi  rfect  ideas  of  the  providence  of  God, 
the  immortality  of  the  soul,  the  resuri'ection  (>f  the  body, 
and  ot  a  future  state  of  reward  and  punishment.  -.When- 
ever conjecture  would  push  her  adventurous  wing  into  any 
of  these  unknown  regions,  instead  of  returning  with  the 


10 

glive  of  yght  anil  peace,  she  could  only  report  a  land  of 
<<  shadows,  clou^is,  and  darkness.'*  Who  can  repress  the 
starting  tear  on  hearing  one  of  their  poets  thus  faelingly 
lament  the  uncertain  doona  of  man  beyond  the  grave? 

*'  Alas!  the  tender  h«rbs  and  flowery  tribes, 
■     Though  crash'd  by  winter's  unrelenting  hand, 
Revive  and  rise  when  vernal  zephyrs  calL; 
But  wc,  the  brave,  the  mighty  and  the  wiee. 
Bloom,  flourish,  fade  and  fall — and  then  succeeds 
A  long,  long,  silent,  dark,  oblivious  sleep; 
A  sleep  which  no  propitious  power  dispels." 

From  this  uncertainty  com;erning  these  great  and  fun- 
damental truths,  what  could  be  expected  but  the  most  per- 
nicious effects,  both  in  principle  and  in  practice.  From  ig- 
norance of  the  ways  ot  Providence,  they  were  led  to  call  in-, 
question  the  goodness  and  justice  of  God,  whenever  they 
saw  the  wicked  prosperous  and  the  righteous  in  trouble. 
Without  the  belief  ot  a  future  state  of  retribution,  there  was 
nothing  to  check  the  mad  career  of  human  passion,  to  en- 
courage the  virtuous  under  misfortune,  or  to  put  a  differ- 
ence between  good  and  evil;  and  the  unavoidable  conse- 
quence was  an  erroneous  standard  of  morals  among  all 
classes.  The  blessedness  of  loving  an  enemy  and  forgiv- 
ing an  offending  brother,  was  a  stranger  to  their  bosoms* 
On  the  contrary,  revenge  was  both  commended  ami  incul- 
cated  as  a  virtue.  (Witness  the  Carthaginian  General^ 
leading  his  infant  son  to  the  altar  and  binding  down  his 
soul  under  an  oath  of  everlasting  hatred  to  the  Romans.) 
Pride,  and  the  love  of  applause,  the  one  the  most  hateful, 
and  the  other  the  raofst  soul-destroying  principle  of  our  na- 
ture, were  their  chief  incentives  to  virtue.  Seif-raurder  was 
esteemed  the  highest  proof  of  her<iism.  Theft  was  scarcely 
regarded  as  a  crime,  provided  it  were  successfully  concealed. 
Falsehood  was  allowed,  whenever  profit  or  convenience  re- 
quired it.  Maimed  infancy  and  decrepid  old  age  were  de- 
voted to  certain  destruction.  Traffic  in  human  blood  was 
nnblusbingly  practised.    To  masters  was  given  the  powe«' 


11 

of  life  and  death  over  their  slaves.  The  wife  and  the  child 
were  placed  at  the  mercy  of  the  husband  and  the  father* 
The  poor  and  destitute  were  turned  over  to  famine  and  the 
pitiless  elements.  Profane  swearing  was  inculcated  by  ths 
precept  and  practice  of  their  purest  moralists.  And  libid- 
inous and  unnatural  gratifications  were  sanctioned  by  ex- 
ample and  by  law.  Such  were  the  vices  to  which  even  the 
wiser  and  better  part  of  ancient  heathenism  was  addicted; 
whilst  to  name  the  abominations  practised  among  the  less- 
informed  classes  would  wound  the  ear  of  indelicacy  itself. 

Nor  were  their  religious  rites  less  at  war  with  the  true 
interests  and  the  refined  feelings  of  the  soul.  The  sports 
and  spectacles  of  their  imaginary  deities  cost  the  humao 
family  a  greater  annual  sacrifice  of  life  than  would  kow  be 
required  for  the  necessary  sell-defence  of  the  whole  chris- 
tian world.  The  altars  of  Diana  were  honoured  with  the 
lacerated  flesh,  and  oftentimes  the  murdered  bodies  of  chiU 
dren.  The  festivals  of  Bacchus  were  celebrated  with  drunk- 
en excesses,  and  disgusting  gestures  of  lewdness,  fury  and 
madness.  The  Lupercalia  of  Pan  were  cbserveu  with  the 
snost  impure  and  indecent  rites.  The  priestesses  of  their 
temples  were  the  very  worst  of  their  ses.  Every  offtring 
laid  upon  the  shrine  of  Venus  was  at  the  expense  of  decen^ 
cy,  chastity,  and  nature  itself.  And  as  to  their  <' hidden 
mysteries,"  the  highest  boast  of  their  religion,  we  dare  not 
unveil  their  accursed  abominations; — we  can  only  say  of 
tbem,  in  the  language  of  inspiration,  *'  ii  is  a  shame  even  to 
speak  of  those  things  which  were  done  of  them  in  secret." 

I  feel  aware,  my  respected  hearers,  that  this  recital 
must  grate  upon  your  ears.  Pardon  me  then,  if,  in  my  ans° 
iety  to  do  justice  to  my  subject,  1  have,  for  a  moment,  per- 
mitted myself  to  forget  what  is  due  to  refined  feeling.  And 
let  me  hope  that  these  unpleasant  truths  will  not  be  without 
the  effect  of  setting  beCure  you  the  extravagance  and  mad- 
ness to  which  the  human  heart  is  prone  when  unblessed  mth 
tfic  knowledge  of  God  and  his  holy  worship. 


12 

if  fVom  the  principles  and  practices  of  private  life  we 
turn  to  the  rulers  and  national  councils  of  ancient  Heathen- 
ism, we  shall  fitid  that  tliere  was  something  radir>illy  corrupt 
in  all  their  political  institutions,  as  «ell  as  in  their  notions 
of  rn^iral  virtue.  Their  laws  not  being  founded  on  the  true 
principles!  of  government,  were  generally  ill- defined  and  con- 
flicting, and  therefore  but  little  respected.  No  bond  of  un- 
ion and  mutual  dependence  existed  between  the  rulers  and 
the  ruled.  The  one  aimed,  witii  boundless  ambition,  at  the 
establishment  of  despotic  power,  whilst  theotlier  were  con- 
signed to  the  tyranny  of  ignorance,  vice  and  superstition, 
Altliough  a  love  of  freedom,  asid  the  display  of  heroic  pat- 
riotism, occasionally  sliine  forth  as  bright  spots  upon  the 
darker  pages  of  their  history,  yet  among  the  great  mass  of 
both  rulers  and  people,  and  especially  in  their  contests  with 
other  nations,  there  was  but  little  regard  paid  to  the  rights 
of  either  justice  or  humanity.  Their  distinguished  men 
were  themselves  the  chief  sources  of  distraction,  jealousy 
and  commotion  in  the  state.  Ingratitude  towards  their  pub- 
lic benefactors  distinguished  the  common  people,  and  thus 
gave  rise  to  the  saying  that  >*  licpublics  are  ungrateful." 
Envy  and  hatred  were  sure  to  follow  the  possessor  of  ex- 
traordinary virtue;  and  ostracism  and  death  were  not  un- 
frequently  the  reward  of  those  wiio  sought  most  zealously 
to  reclaim  society  to  the  paths  of  honor  and  virtue.  Dis- 
sension and  civil  broils  at  length  subjected  them  to  arbitrary 
rule;  military  despotism,  borne  on  the  shoulders  of  a  riotous 
soldiery,  usurped  the  seat  ot  their  sliort  lived  liberty;  till 
at  length  luxury  and  effeminacy  brought  on  the  closing 
scene  of  feebleness  and  decay. 

After  this  hurried  review  of  the  moral  and  political  con-, 
dition  of  the  Heathen  world,  even  in  its  best  estate,  we  are 
now  prepared  to  ask,  and  to  receive  an  answer  to  the  ques- 
tion, •  '  What  has  rhristisnity  done  towards  promoting  the 
happiness  of  nations?"  But  before  replying  to  this  inter- 
esting inquiry^  let  us  first  rapidly  glance  at  the  doctrines 


1£ 

and  precepts  of  our  lioly  religion,  and  consider  how  wor-- 
thy  tiny  arc  of  their  divine  Antlior,   and  hovv   admirably 
adapted  to  m»'et  the  wants,  and  luifil  tiie  higli  purposes  of  our 
being.    We  have  seen  the  lamentable  ignorance  of  even  the 
most  polished  Headien  on  the  subject  of  morals,  and  the 
consequ'-nt  ill  etfects  of  such  spiritual  darkness.     Now  on 
all  these  points,  which  to  them  were  shrouded  in  obs.urity, 
the  gospel  of  Christ  has  shed  the  most  abundant  lig;lit. 
Over  ihat  chaos  of  corruption,  disorder  and  thick  darkness, 
it  has  poured  the  beams  of  eternal  life,  and  'bus  put  it  into 
the  power  of  the  most  ignorant  disciple  of  the  cross,  nay 
even  of  lisping  childhood  itself,  to  boast  of  clearer  and 
jusier  views  of  the  divine  nature,  than  ever  entered  into 
the  sublimest  conceptions  of  a  Socrates,  a  Seneca,  or  a  Ci- 
cero.    To  those  who  doubted  whether  there  were  ten  gods 
or  ten  thousand,  and  who  offered  up  at  the  foot  ot  a  lifeless 
statue  the  homage  of  trie  immortal  mind,  the  gospel  has  re» 
vealed  the  one  true  God.  as  an  eternal  Spirit  that  is  to  be 
worshipped  only  in  spirit  and  in  truth;  a  Being  of  infinite 
power,  wisdom,  holiness,  truth,  justice  and  goodness;  the 
only  Creator  and  Sovereign  of  the  world;  the  present  wit= 
iiess  and  the  future  judge  of  all  our  actions.  It  also  teaches 
us  that  we  are  fallen  and  guilty  creatures,  and  places  be* 
fore  our  view  one  who  is  able  to  save  us  from  our  sins,  to 
reconcile  us  to  God,  to  restore  us  to  holiness,  and  to  fit  us 
for  an  eternity  of  happiness  beyond  the  grave.  On  the  sub- 
ject also  of  man's  immortality,  which  was  so  doubtingly 
entertained  by  even  the  best  and  wisest  of  heathen  philo- 
sophers, it  opens  up  the  awful  scenes  of  a  coming  judgrat- ot; 
and  sets  before  our  hopes  and  our  fears  the  eternal  bliss 
and  the  unending  torments  of  a  world  io  come. 

But  however  admirably  adapted  the  doctrines  of  revela- 
tion may  be  to  the  fallen  condition  of  mankmu,  its  moral 
precepts  will  be  found  equally  conducive  to  natioitHi  an*!  in- 
dividoai  iiappidess.  Unlike  the  ancient  teaci'^rs  of  moral- 
ity, who  ce^nfined  their  instructions  to  a  chosen  feW;  and 


H 

t-flughl  their  discipltis  by  means  uC  abstruse  rca'soning,  ge- 
neral declarations,  and  cold  and  inanimate  precepts,  the 
gospel  of  CI)rist  comts  Iiome  to  the  business  and  the  bosom 
of  every  man.  it  makes  its  demands  upon  every  rank  in 
society,  and  addicsses  itself  with  equal  authority  to  the 
rich  and  the  poor,  the  ignoble  and  the  honourable.  It  per- 
vades every  thought  and  intent  of  tlie  heart,  strikes  at  th& 
root  of  every  seltlsh  feeling,  diffuses  on  all  the  most  enlar- 
ged benevolence,  and  teaches  us  to  refer  our  every  thought 
and  word  and  work  to  the  will  of  God  and  the  judgment  of' 
the  last  day. 

"  Pure  Plato!  how  had  thy  chaste  spirit  hailed 

A  faitli  so  fitted  to  Uiy  moral  seiisel 

What  hadst  thou  felt,  to  see  the  fair  romance 

Of  high  imagination,' the  bright  dream 

Of  thy  pure  fancy  more  tlian  realized! 

Oh!  sweet  enthusiast!  thou  ha'lst  b'essed  a  scheme 

Fair,  good  and  perfect.     How  had  thy  wrapt  soul 

Caught  fire,  and  burnt  with  a  diviner  flame! 

For  evrn  thy  fair  idea  ne'er  conceived 

Such  plenitude  of  love,  such  boundless  bliss!" 

We  will  now  no  longer  delay  to  answer  the  demand, 
'  What  has  the  religion  of  the  Bible  done  tor  the  welfare  of 
nations?' 

In  addressing  the  Corinthians  wliile  in  the  acme  of  their 
.renown,  an  inspired  writer  furnishes  us  with  this  inciden- 
tal testimony:  «  Be  not  deceived."  says  he;  «*  neither  for- 
nicators, nor  adulterers,  nor  idolaters,  nor  efieminate  per- 
sons, nor  abusers  of  themselves  with  mankind,  nor  thieves, 
nor  drunkards,  nor  revilers,  nor  extortioners,  shall  inherit 
the  kingdom  of  God;"  he  then  adds,  <•  such  were  some  of 
you;  but  ye  are  now  washed,  ye  are  satictified,  ye  are  jus- 
tified in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  by  the 
Spirit  of  God."  Such  was  the  renewing  and  purifying 
power  of  the  gospel  on  the  hearts  and  lives  of  the  early  be- 
lievers. Abundant  proof  to  this  effect  might  be  drawn  from 
the  sacred  page,  but  let  us  call  in  a  less  suspected  witness 


15 

Hear  then  the  testimony  of  otie  who,  from  being  a  celebra- 
ted teacher  in  Uie  ht-alhea  schools,  became  an  humble  le-irn- 
er  at  the  feel  <'f  Clirist:  I  mean  the  venfci'ablp  Laciantiusr 
In  addressinp;  the  enemies  of  t!ie  gosj)cl  on  this  vrpy  sub>- 
ject,  he  does  not  hesitate  to  use  this  strong  language:  »•  Give 
me  a  man  tl»at  is  passionate,  abusive  in  his  language,  head- 
strong and  unruly;  witii  a  verv  \v\\  words,  ilie  words  of 
God,  I  will  render  him  as  gentle  as  a  lamb.  Give  me  a 
greedy,  covetous,  parsimonious  man:  and  I  will  presently 
return  him  to  you  a  generous  creature,  freely  bestowing 
his  money  by  hatjufuls.  Give  nve  a  cruel  and  blood-thirsty 
man;  instantly  his  ferocity  shall  be  transformed  into  a  tj'U' 
ly  mild  and  merciful  disposilion.  Give  me  an  unjust  mnn,  a 
fooiisli  man,  a  sinful  man;  and  on  a  sudden  he  shall  become 
honest,  wise  and  virtuous.  And  this  benefit  shall  be  confer^ 
red  gratuitously,  easily,  expeditiously,  provided  (he  eais 
and  the  heart  tiiirst  after  wisdom.'*  He  then  demands  of 
his  opposers  whether  any  of  the  healhen  philosophers  ever 
accomplished  by  their  leaching  such  important  ends  as 
these. 

But  as  the  unintentional  testimony  of  an  enemy  has  ever 
been  allowed  to  have  much  weight,  we  will  next  appeal  to 
heathen  writers  themselves,  who  have  incidentally  furnish- 
ed ample  proof  of  tite  virtuous  lives  of  the  early  christians. 
On  looking  into  tl»eir  accredited  historians,  we  learn  that 
it  was  a  current  saying  amotig  (he  people,  *•  Such  a  one  is 
a  good  man,  but  he  is  a  christian."  In  accordance  with 
this  is  the  language  of  the  younger  Pliny,  who,  tliough  fre- 
quently engaged  in  examining,  and  even  in  putting  to  death 
many  of  the  early  christians,  yet  unhesitatingly  acknow- 
ledges that  «<  they  were  guilty  of  no  crime,  except  that  of 
assembling  together  on  a  stated  day,  before  light,  to  sing 
hymns  to  Christ  as  God,  and  of  binding  tiitmselves  by  oath 
not  to  be  guilty  of  theft,  robbery  or  adultery,  never  to  fals- 
ify their  word,  or  deny  a  pledge  committed  to  their  keep- 
ing,"   And  similar  to  this  is  the  testimony  of  the  empertfr 


m 

Juliff.n  himself,  the  bitterest  enemy  that  ever  dipped  iiis 
hands  in  the  blood  of  God's  saints.  In  writing  to  one  of 
the  heathen  pontiffs  at  a  distance  from  Rome,  he  enjoins 
him  to  **  imitate  the  charities  of  the  christians,  thoir  sanc^ 
tity  of  life,  and  their  kindness  to  enenwes  and  strangers." 

These  involuntary  proofs  ot  the  benefi(ial  effects  of 
Christianity  on  individual  character,  are  abundantly  sup- 
ported by  similar  testimony  to  its  benign  influence  on  so^ 
ciety  generally.  No  sooner  had  the  mild  religion  of  the 
Son  of  God  obtained  a  footing  in  the  world,  than  its  bene- 
volent spirit  became  a  bond  of  union  between  independent 
nations.  The  middle  wall  of  partition,  which  had  so  long 
divide*)  the  Jewish  and  Gentile  world,  crumbled  at  its 
touch.  Pride  and  revenge,  those  fertile  sources  of  war  and 
bloodshed,  were  supplanted  by  humility  and  forgiveness. 
Into  every  family  it  came  a  messenger  of  love,  a  dispenser 
of  peace.  It  took  by  the  hand  the  softrr  sex,  and  easing 
their  shoulders  of  the  onerous  burdens  that  barbarous  su- 
perstition had  put  upon  them,  lifted  them  from  a  degraded 
and  servile  state,  and  gave  to  tliem  that  equal  rank  in  re- 
fined society  to  which  they  are  justly  entitled.  The  reli- 
gion of  Christ  has  aboliihed  polygamy,  and  restricted  the 
power  of  divorce.  Unnatural  crime  has  iled  at  its  ap- 
proach. The  harshness  of  parental  authority  has  been 
tempered  by  the  mild  precepts  of  the  gospel;  and  instead  of 
putting  to  death  the  old  and  the  decrepit,  and  weak  and 
deformed  children,  as  was  sanctioned  by  the  laws  of  many 
heathen  states,  her  benevolent  genius  has  spread  over  these 
hapless  members  of  the  human  family  the  ample  segis  of 
the  law,  and  erected  asylums  for  their  preservation  and 
relief.  The  relations  of  husband  and  wile,  and  of  parent  and 
child,  which  formerly  differed  hut  little  from  that  of  master 
and  slave,  are  now  stripped  of  all  unnecessary  power.  The 
poor  and  the  ignorant  have  been  taken  under  the  patronage 
of  the  rich  and  enlightened.  The  prosperous  have  been 
taxed  to  feed  the  hungry,  clothe  the  naked,  and  heal  the 


17 

afflicted.  No  matter  what  may  be  the  form  or  the  (U-e^ree 
of"  iium-sn  uji^ery.  t?-e  spirit  ot  Ctnistisnity  opvtis  to  \i>\  re- 
lief tin?  hand  of  privatf  b.  npvolencp  and  the  muniiittiit 
store  houses  ot  public  rharity.  The  person  of  the  slii^^t  is 
now  not  only  hr<iugiit  uikder  the  protection  of  the  law,  but 
every  engine  that  providence  and  a  spirit  of  univc  rs;«l  be- 
nevolence can  appiove,  is  at  work  to  free  the  world  frc.m  the 
very  name  of  slavery.  The  heathen  had  no  asyluni'n  for 
the  sick,  the  poor,  the  widow,  the  nrplian,  and  th*  tound- 
iing;  nor  v.  as  there  a  single  hospitaS  in  all  the  antt-(  ispis- 
tian  world.  Now  how  changed  is  the  scent!  Chrislsanity 
has  erected  houses  of  refuge  for  every  grade  and  spe*  ies  of 
humno  suff .ring.  It  has  established  schools  for  tht-  gs «'u- 
itous  instruction  of  the  poor.  It  has  penetrated  into  the 
noxious  dungeon,  and-  not  only  lighted  its  darkness  with 
the  l:Amp  of  eternal  life,  bu!  placed  within  the  reach  of  its 
wretched  tenant  every  comfort  that  the  strict  claims  of  jus- 
tice will  allow.  And  in  its  course  of  expansive  bene\oieiice 
it  has  even  descended  to  the  care  of  inferior  animals,  by 
diseountenancing  every  exerrise  of  cruelty  towards  ;.liera. 
and  bv  making  their  ease  and  security  a  subject  of  legal 
enactmc  nt.  Instead,  then,  of  asking  'NVhat  has  Chri??tiani- 
ty  done?*  we  may  demand  ♦  What  has  it  not  done  toward 
meliorating  the  condition  of  man?' 

Fi'om  its  effects  on  Rociety  at  large,  let  us  now  ascend 
to  the  influ'ncH  of  the  religion  of  the  Bible  on  the  govern' 
meiits  of  states  and  nations.  No  sooner  had  it  gainv^d  ac- 
cess to  the  palaces  of  kings  and  entperors.  than  its  huuiime 
and  benevolent  spirit  was  breatiud  inio  ail  their  poliliral 
codes  and  institutions.  Regicide  suddenly  ceased  to  be  an 
every-day  occurrence,  U'  bellioh  sunk  to  sleej)  under  the 
potent  wand  of  the  gospel  of  peace.  War  laid  aside  half 
his  horrors,  and  took  with  him  to  the  field  mercy  and  k  nd 
ness  to  the  vanquished.  Ambition  put  a  durk  'qnn.  his 
insatiable  appetite;  and  revenge  was  diiv«ii  t'  U}  siU<  :»is 
vindictive  spirit  at  the  mild  remonstrance  of  the  gospel  of 


18 

peace.  What  is  it  but  the  liberal  spirit  of  Christianity 
that  is  now  daily  deposing  the  despot,  and  instructing  the 
rulers  of  the  earth  to  look  for  safety,  honour  and  happiness 
for  themselves,  only  in  the  safety,  honour  and  happiness  of 
every  class  of  society  beneath  them?  And  what  but  this  has 
tamed  the  fierceness  of  ancient  barbarism,  palsied  the  arm 
of  arbitrary  law,  given  to  even-handed  justice  an  almost 
universal  triumph  over  bribery  and  favouritism,  and  thus 
secured  to  the  meanest  citizen  the  Ireedom,  the  justice,  the 
ease  and  the  security  wiiich  the  highest  magistrate  enjoys? 
Nor  should  I,  at  this  time,  and  before  such  an  audience, 
fail  to  notice  the  beneficial  effects  of  the  gospel  on  (he  cause 
of  science  and  literature,  as  well  as  on  the  moral  and  poli- 
tical condition  of  the  world.  The  religion  of  Christ  bring 
a  written  revelation,  and  composed  in  several  languages, 
its  teachers,  and  all  others  who  were  desirous  of  embrac- 
ing it,  were  thereby  compelled  to  acquire  a  knowledge  of 
letters.  History  accordingly  shows,  that  wherever  the 
christian  faith  has  been  received,  there  have  followfd  in 
her  train  all  the  blessings  of  moral,  classical  and  tlicolop'i.. 
cal  knowledge.  Before  her  mild  genius  had  establisijcd 
her  sway  in  the  world,  it  was  the  received  opinion  among 
heathen  nations,  that  a  knowledge  of  the  sciences  tended 
only  to  enervate  the  mind  and  unfit  it  for  martial  achiev- 
ment;  and  that  the  boy  who  was  taught  to  tremble  at  the 
rod,  would  never  look  undaunted  on  the  sword  or  spear. 
But  far  different  was  the  lesson  inculcated  by  the  religion  of 
the  gospel,  and  to  its  happy  effects  let  the  present  assembly 
testify.  To  give  some  faint  idea  of  the  extreme  ignorance 
of  many  of  the  nations  of  Europe  before  their  reception  of 
Christianity,  I  would  point  you  to  Germany  and  Ireland, 
the  one  renowned  at  the  present  day  for  its  gigantic  achiev- 
ments  in  the  field  of  science,  and  the  other  acknowledged 
to  be  the  prolific  parent  ot  genius  and  oratory.  When  we 
contemplate  their  present  rank  in  the  world  of  letters,  we 
can  scarcely  believe  that  these  people  were  indebted  for 


19 

even  a  knowledge  of  the  alphabet  to  the  zealous  labours 
of  the  chiistian  missionary.  Yet  such  is  the  record  of 
faithful  history. 

Nor  did  literature  alone  experience  the  aid  of  the  gos- 
pel. Music,  painting,  sculpture,  drawing  and  architec- 
lure  felt  likewise  her  fostering  hand,  being  called  in  to 
beautify  the  temples  of  the  Christian's  God. 

When  in  the  middle  ages  th«  love  of  literature  yielded 
to  a  passion  for  arms,  and  the  whole  of  civilized  Europe 
became  one  greai  war-camp,  the  only  refuge  to  be  found 
for  science  and  the  liberal  arts  was  in  the  cloisters  of  the 
christian  priesthood.  And  again,  when  in  the  sixteenth 
century  tbe  mind  of  man  once  more  began  to  struggle  from 
beneath  the  dominion  of  ignorance  and  superstition,  it  was 
the  Bible  that  led  the  way  in  enlightening  the  minds,  as 
well  as  reforming  the  hearts  of  men.  It  was  the  Bible  that 
first  knocked  off  the  shackles  of  reason,  and  prepared  the 
way  for  philosophy  to  display  her  splendid  triumphs.  If  a 
Luthfi',  a  Melancthon,  and  a  Cranmer  had  never  lived,  it 
is  scarcely  probable  that  the  names  of  Bacon,  Boyle,  New- 
ton and  Locke  would  have  been  distinguished  from  the 
common  mass  at  the  present  day. 

If  now  we  withdraw  our  attention  from  the  histories  «f 
ancient  times,  and  compare  the  condition  of  the  nations  of 
the  present  day  which  are  blessed  with  the  Bible,  with  that 
of  others  whicb  are  still  groping  in  the  darkness  of  heathen^ 
ism.  we  shall  at  once  be  convinced,  that  for  the  knowledge 
of  whatever  is  valuable  in  antiquity,  in  language,  in  chro- 
nology, history,  morality,  philosophy,  metaphysics,  juris- 
prudence, national  law,  and  civil  and  religious  freedom,  we 
are  indebted  Uffder  God  lo  the  possession  of  his  gospel.  la 
one  word,  wherever  the  christian  missionary  has  set  his 
foot,  there  have  ignorance  and  barbarism  given  way  to 
useful  knowledge  and  all  the  arts  of  civilized  life.  The  fe- 
rocious savage,  who  lived  on  plunder,  and  prowled  through 
Wis  native  forests,  feeding  like  a  beast  of  prey  on  the  flesh 


20 

of  !iis  captive,  lias  heen  ti-ansformod  info  a  pparelul  cnlti 
vator  of  the  earth,  a  lover  of  domestic  Itappiness,  and  a 
child  of  God.  Th^  cavf  and  ti;p  wigwam  ol  the  bu-harian, 
hav.^  b' en  exchanged  for  abodes  jf  confort  and  rtfinement 
Tb*'  prerarious  supplies  of  the  chase,  have  been  abandotied 
ID  fav(tup  of  the  more  certain  and  more  humanizing  pur* 
suits  of  agriculture.  The  sanguinary  rites  of  Druidisra  are 
now  known  only  in  history;  and  the  institution  of  human 
sacrifice  is  fast  fading  Irom  the  earth. 

But  for  the  blessed  knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ,  how  dif- 
ferent would  have  been  the  aspect  of  this  assembly  !  Instead 
of  meeting  here  to  enjoy  the  feast  of  reason  that  is  annuaily 
spread  before  us,  we  might  this  day  have  been  convened  to 
witness  the  teriific  fightings  of  wild  beasts,  or  the  bloody 
shows  of  gladiatorial  contention.  This  spot  on  which  we 
stand  might  have  contained  the  altar  of  some  senseless  idol, 
or  the  tripod  of  some  lying  oracle;  and  this  hall,  dedicated 
to  Vtif,  c>»u->e  of  liberal  science,  mi.sjht  have  resounded  witl. 
the  raving  and  beasily  worship  of  some  impure  dem-m.  In- 
stead of  having  the  blessing  of  Jehovah  invoked  upon  our 
presfuf  exercises,  we  might  have  been  crying  out  with 
those  of  old.  "  O,  Baal,  hear  Un!  O,  Bah\,  hear  us!"  In- 
stead of  bringin.;  your  sons  to  this  pla'  e  to  learn  to  walk  in 
the  ways  ol  useful  know  ledge,  you  miglit  at  this  moment  have 
been  dragging  them  from  their  yourhfu  sports  to  burn  them 
in  the  fires  of  Moloci),  to  whip  them  to  death  on  tl>e  altar 
of  Di-<na,  or  to  casi  them  as  a  propitiatory  sacrifice  under 
the  ponderous  wheils  ot  Juggernviu?.  And  let  me  not  fitrget 
to  add,  that  but  for  the  iiumnnizing  influence  of  the  reli- 
gion of  Christ,  those  who  sit  here  as  our  wives,  our  mo- 
thers, our  daughters  and  our  equals,  might  at  this  moment 
have  Oeen  our  »•  bewers  of  wood  and  drawers  of  water,** 
our  druSges,  our  menials,  the  very  bond-slaves  of  our  bar- 
bariaa  pt'-asu  es. 

Lv>*.  however,  it  should  be  suppos>  d  t  at  these  state- 
ments, because  drawa  t'rooi  distaat  bistort  are  tberefort 


21 

liable  to  much  abatement,  I  will  now  direct  your  view  to 
some  interesting  facts  that  have  falhu  withm  our  own 
times.  Tiie  present  is,  in  a  remarkable  degree,  an  age  of 
missionary  enterprise.  The  whole  christian  world  srema 
to  be  rousing  itself  to  some  mighty  effort  in  the  t  aust-  of 
God;  and  the  remotest  corners  and  most  obscure  inlands  of 
the  esrth  are  beginning  to  hail  the  dawn  of  gospel  light* 
But  in  no  quarter  have  the  labours  of  the  pious  missionary 
been  more  amply  blessed,  than  in  the  distant  islands  of 
the  Pa(  ific.  There,  and  in  our  own  day  too,  have  whole 
tribes  and  nations,  without  the  intervention  of  forcf .  or  the 
influence  of  any  earthly  potentate,  been  reclaimed  from  ig- 
norance, idolatry  and  vice,  to  a  rational  and  heaity  pro- 
fession of  the  christian  faith.  And  what  is  the  effect  on 
their  national  and  individual  bappiui'ss?  Idolatry,  theft; 
lewdness,  infanticide,  human  sacriflre.  polygamy,  canni» 
balism,  and  every  species  of  abomination  that  was  practia- 
ed  in  their  days  of  ignorance,  are  now  suppressed.  The 
arbitrary  rule  of  despotic  chie/tains  has  been  supplanted 
by  a  system  of  equitable  law,  adopted  by  the  voluntary 
consent  of  both  prince  and  people,  and  founded  on  the  ba- 
sis of  christian  principle.  Civilization,  industry  and  edii° 
cation  are  rapidly  effacing  the  remembrancd  of  their  recent 
barbarism.  The  voice  of  public,  social  and  private  wor» 
ship  is  universally  lifted  up  to  thft  Christian's  God;  and 
these  reclaimed  sons  of  superstition,  are  rapidly  advr.>.rtng 
in  the  march  of  mental  improvement,  as  well  as  in  tlus 
knowledge  of  the  one  true  God  and  his  Son  Jfsus  Clrist, 

Having  thus  seen  the  salutary  tffects  of  the  gospel  of 
Christ  on  the  interests  of  nations,  let  us,  for  a  moment, 
change  the  scene,  and  contemplate  a  people  madly  throw> 
ing  off  its  restraints,  and  placing  themselves  under  ti<e  do- 
minion  of  reason  alone.  That  the  sun  has  slione  upon  such 
a  sight  is,  alas!  too  true;  and  there  are  somt-  now  present 
who  can  well  remember  how  their  ears  were  made  t«:  iiu- 
Sle  and  their  hearts  to  melt  within  tbero,  when  tli«  inttlH- 

iii 


2£ 

gcnce  came  tliat  a  whole  nation  had  renounced  the  God 
that  ma«ie  them,  and  were  endeavouring  to  expel  him  Irom 
his  own  creation,  it  needs  not  he  said  that  I  here  allude  to 
revolutionary  France — to  that  b'oody  period  of  her  history 
when  infideliry.  for  a  time,  hefd  its  undisputed  sway;  wlieu 
the  cliristian  era  was  abolished,  lifeless  statues  set  up  ia 
the  temples  of  the  living  God.  death  declared  to  be  an  eter- 
nal sleep,  and  the  existence  of  a  God  an  idle  superstition^ 
xvh^n  all  distinctions  of  right  and  wrong  were  confounded^ 
wh?  n  proscription  followed  proscription  in  breathless  suc- 
cession, and  misrule  and  at  «isrQ  went  hand  in  hand  ii 
converting  the  very  garden  of  Europe  into  a  fitld  of  blood; 
when  a  natron,  distinguished  for  tiie  refinements  of  polish-- 
ed  life,  became,  as  in  a  day.  a  horde  of  assassins,  and 
every  social  and  moral  tie  was  burst  asunder;  when  fa- 
.thers  denounced  their  children,  wives  their  husbands,  and 
mothers  their  sons;  when  a  whole  kingdom  presented  the 
awful  spectacle  of  one  great  slaughter-hou«ej  ai»d  the 
sword,  the  bayonet,  the  sucking-boat  and  the  guillotine 
aimed,  in  the  person  of  man,  to  banish  the  image  of  God 
from  the  face  of  the  earth.  Such  is  the  spirit  of  infidelity; 
such  the  tender-mercies  of  religion  without  revelation;  such 
the  history  of  a  people  without  a  God!  Oh,  what  a  lesson 
to  the  rulers  of  the  earth!  How  chisely  should  they  lay  it 
to  iieart;  and  how  incorttestably  does  it  establish  the  words 
of  inspiration,  that  it  is  *<  righteousness  that  exaiteth  a  na- 
tion," and  that  •'  sin  is  a  reproach  to  any  people!"  If,  then, 
the  religion  of  Christ,  when  extended  over  only  a  fourth 
part  of  the  habitable  world,  and  not  cordially  embraced 
by  the  majority  of  any  one  people,  has  already  done  so  much 
for  the  happiness  of  man,  what  may  not  be  expected;  nay, 
what  stretch  of  imagination  ran  take  in  the  vast  amount  of 
blessing  that  will  ensue,  when,  in  the  language  of  holy  writ, 
«  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  shall  become  the  kingdoms  of 
our  Lord  and  his  Christ,  and  tbi  knowledge  of  God  shall 
Cover  the  earth  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea?" 


Need  I  stop  here  to  notice  the  objections  brooijht  against 
the  religion  of  tlie  Bibie,  oh  account  of  the  persef  iiiions, 
religious  wars  and  bitter  controversies  to  wliicb  ii  has  giv- 
en rise?     These  are  consequ*:nce8  for  which  our  holy  fnith 
is  not  answerable.    As  well  migfit  we  attribute  to  civil  go- 
vernment the  various  wars  and  tumults  it  has  occasioned; 
or  tn  the  spirit  of  liberty  all  the  licenti^iusness  and  atrocity 
that  have  been  prartised  in  her  name.    For  although  tnese 
wars  and  persecutions  may  have  had  rt-ligiun  tor  tijeir  ob- 
ject, yet  are  they  manifestly  resolvable  into  principles  which 
Christianity  does  not  implant,  but  on  tlie  contrary,  univer- 
sally condemns.    Did  the  Bible  itself,  as  does  the  Koran, 
authorize  coercion  in  the  propagation  of  its  principles,  then 
might  such  objections  have  their  weight;  but  when  it  is  the 
professed  aim  of  the  gospel,  and,  I  may  safely  add.  its  ac- 
knowledged tendency  too,  to  break  down  and  root  out<'very 
principle  of  intolerance  and  contention  from  the  heart,  it 
should  be  freely  confessed  that  our  holy  religion  has  been 
the  occasion  rather  than  the  motive,  the  reluctant  instru- 
ment instead  of   the  willing  author  ot   evil  to  mankin>d. 
Wherever  the  malevolent  passions  hold   the  sway,  there 
will  follow  persecution,  violence,  and  every  evil  work;  and 
the  cause  of  virtue,  and  the  mantle  of  charity,  and  the  very  . 
name  of  God,  will  be  assumed  to  sanction  crimes  against 
reJigioo  and  even  nature  itself.  Let  not  Christianity,  th^^re- 
fore,  suffer  undeservedly  for  the  evil  passions  oi  those  who 
arrogate  to  themselves  her  name;  ntither  let  iier  purity  be 
stained  with  the  imputation  of  intolerance;  for,  as  has  been 
well  observed,  "  among  the  awful  lessons  to  be  learned  from 
the  crimes  and  miseries  of  mankind,  this  is  not  the  least, 
that  in  order  to  be  a  persecutor,  it  is  not  necessary  to  be  a 
bigot;  and  that  in  rage  and  cruelty,  in  mischief  and  destruc.? 
tion,  fanaticism  itself  can  be  outdone  by  infidelity." 

Having  said  thus  much  of  the  benoficiai  effects  of  Chris- 
tianity on  the  welfare  of  nations,  and  of  society  <it  large, 
but  little  time  is  left  for  noticing  th«  vast  aggregate  nf 


24 

bappfrneas  that  it  dispenses  in  the  obscurity  of  private  rife. 
Fr-rn  the  first  preaching  of  the  Baptist  to  the  present  day, 
there  have  been  millions  in  every  age,  unknown  to  fame, 
who  have  rejoiced  in  its  saving  truths  as  in  •'  a  pearl  of 
gr-at  price,**  and  have  found  them  to  be  productive  of  an 
inward  peace  and  comfort  of  the  heart,  which  the  world 
can  neitner  give  nor  take  away.  It  is  the  peculiar  glory  of 
our  religion  that  it  is  adapted  to  every  rank  and  condition  of 
life.  Is  the  christian  in  prosperity?  then  has  he  a  higher 
enjoyment  of  the  good  things  of  this  life,  than  is  felt  by  bim 
TPho  is  a  stranger  to  bis  God;  for  there  is  a  heavenly  temper 
given  to  bim  from  above,  which  mixes  its  own  sweetness 
\vith  every  earthly  good  he  receives,  and  imparts  to  it  a 
relish  that  savours  as  much  of  heaven  as  of  earth.  Is  he  in 
adversity?  no  untoward  circumstance  can  ruffle  the  seren- 
ity of  his  soul.  Like  the  heaven  to  which  he  aspires,  he  is 
exalted  above  the  tumults  and  tempests  of  this  lower  world, 
and  enjoys  a  sunshine  which  never  warms  or  illumines  the 
icy  bosom  of  the  unbeliever,  in  his  (deepest  sorrows  and 
his  darkest  hours,  he  has  more  joy  than  belongs  to  the 
brightest  day  of  the  sinner's  life.  In  the  secrecy  of  his 
chamber,  and  in  the  solemn  silence  of  midnight,  he  has  a 
resource  that  the  world  knows  not  of,  and  finds  a  hiding- 
plac>  from  bis  suff'-rings  in  the  bosom  of  his  God. 

But  it  is  in  the  prospect  of  futurity,  that  the  blessed  ef- 
fecta  of  the  religion  of  Christ  are  peculiarly  displayed.  At 
that  trying  hour,  when  the  soul  is  fluctuating  between  time 
and  eternity,  when  the  body  is  wrung  with  anguish,  and 
conscience  rouses  from  its  deceitful  slumbers,  then  the  only 
balm  that  unbelief  can  imparl  is  the  cold  and  cheerless  an- 
ticipation of  an  eternal  sleep.  But  the  Christian  has  a  bet- 
ter and  a  brighter  hopt;  than  this.  He  builds,  upon  the  pra- 
mises  of  an  all-powerful  and  unchanging  God,  the  certain 
assurance  of  another  and  a  happier  state.  He  knows  that 
thid  mortal  body, sown  here  in  "corruption,"  "  weakness" 
ftnd  *« dishonour,'^  will  be  raised  beyond  the  tomb  in  <«iB> 


?i5 

toiTuption,"  in  <' power"  and  in  «« g'ory;"  anO  that,  en- 
rolled  rtinong  th'^  pure  intelligences  of  that  happv  place, 
he  *.\i!l  enjoy  a  felicity  which  has  no  measure  but  the 
power  of  Omnipotence,  no  limit  but  the  duration  of  eter- 
nity. 

Thus,  my  friends,  have  I  endeavoured  to  establish  ihe 
position  with  which  I  set  out,  that  the  religion  of  the  Bible 
is  the  highest  ornament  and  best  security  of  natioiis.  If 
enough,  and  more  'ban  enough  be  not  already  said,  this 
only  will  I  add:  Let  an  impartial  observer  taKe  in  his  hand 
the  map  of  the  world;  let  him  point  to  a  nation  locked  up 
in  barbarism  and  supvrstition.  and.  my  life  on  it,  that  is  a 
land  where  the  Bible  is  unknown.  Ler  another  be  desig- 
nated as  fast  emerging  from  the  rudeness  of  nature  into  be 
humanizing  arts  ot  civilized  life,  and  there,  doubtlt-ss.  will 
be  found  the  humble  missionary,  labouring  and  praymir  in 
secret,  and  sa-ii firing  his  health,  his  life,  his  all  to  iiiake 
known  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation.  Show  me  a  p«'ii|jle 
that,  having  been  once  enlightened  and  made  free  and  happy 
by  the  influence  of  Revelation,  have  re>eded  from  their  fut- 
most  rank  irn'mg  the  nations  of  Christendom,  .«nd  placed 
themselves  once  more  under  the  dominion  of  superstiiion, 
ignorance,  immorality  and  despotism;  and  although  that 
may  be  called  a  christian  people,  yet  it  will  be  found  that 
the  word  of  Gud  is  there  not  permitted  to  have  its  free 
course,  and  that  the  *»  inventions  of  men"  are  taught  for  the 
commands  of  God.  Finally,  let  a  nation  be  pointed  out 
ivhere  law  is  respected,  where  life  and  property  are  secure, 
where  mutu  d  confi»ieuce  subsists  b-  tween  rulers  and  peo- 
ple, where  order  and  peace  bold  tiieir  gentle  sway,  and 
where  every  one  may  sit  under  his  own  vine  and  fig-tree, 
there  beiiig  none  to  make  him  afraid;  show  me  such  a  peo- 
ple, and  you  show  me  •*  my  own,  my  native  land,"  wh:re 
the  Bible  is  in  tb*-  bauds  of  eveiy  man,  wherr  it  is  read 
an«^  reverenced,  and  wnere  the  young  are  carefully  instruc- 
ted ia  itB  life-giving  precepts. 


26 

We  have  heard  much,  of  lafe,  about  the  Gonstiiution  of 
our  beloved  country;  and  our  hearts  have  ardent  j,  respond- 
ed to  the  soul-stirring  eloquence  of  those  who  have  caHed 
on  us  to  rally  around  it  as  the  palladium  of  our  liberty. 
And  long,  long  may  it  remain  to  these  happy  states  a  bond 
of  union,  a  charter  of  mutual  rights,  a  check  upon  usurp- 
ing power  on  either  hand.  My  young  friends,  you  should 
study  that  instrument,  and  be  familiar  with  its  principles; 
but  at  the  same  time  you  should  know,  that  it  is  to  the  in- 
fluence of  the  religion  of  Christ  we  are  indebteO  for  the 
soundness  of  those  principles,  and  their  happy  tendency  to 
promote  the  welfare  of  our  country.  With  the  Bible  in 
their  hands  and  its  precepts  written  on  their  hearts,  it  is 
imp  tssible  for  a  people  to  become  the  slaves  of  a  tyrant,  or 
to  be  otherwise  than  free  and  prosperous  and  happy.  Tite 
spirit  of  liberty  is  inseparably  allied  to  the  spirit  of  sound 
religion;  and  the  despot  who  has  carefully  studied  the  his- 
tory of  the  last  three  centuries  will  tremble  sooner  for  his 
ill-got  power  at  seeing  a  Bible  than  a  sword  in  the  hands 
of  his  subjects;  and  yet  there  is  not  one  word  in  that 
blessed  book  to  call  up  a  spirit  of  faction  and  disorder. 
Submission  to  rulers  is  there  again  and  again  inculcated, 
and  that  too  upoji  grounds  unknown  to  the  lawgivers  of  the 
heathen  world.  Before  the  religion  of  Christ  was  admit- 
ted into  the  councils  and  senate-chambers  of  the  earth, 
princes  ruled  by  fear  alone,  and  mainraint'd  their  power,  as 
they  had  acquired  it,  at  the  point  of  the  sword.  By  day 
they  walked  abroad  preceded  by  lictors,  and  all  the  instru- 
ments of  sanguinary  punishmjent;  at  night  they  pressed 
a  sleepless  pillow,  guarded  by  the  unsheathed  weapons  of 
a  hireling  soldiery.  Now  the  principles  of  Christianity  en- 
graven on  the  heart,  are  of  more  avail  than  bolts  and  cliains, 
imperial  edicts,  or  burning  stakes.  Now  the  spirit  of  re- 
ligion is  no  less  the  ruler's  safety  than  the  people's  happi- 
ness. Now  the  fear  of  God  among  his  subjects  is  a  more 
than  triple  shield  to  the  breast  of  the  sovereign.     And  the 


27 

chief  magistrate  of  this  happy  nation  may  pass  unariDed 
and  uuritteniled  from  one  limit  of  our  vast  territory  to  the 
other,  and  meet  with  neither  insult  nor  violence.  O,  happy 
people,  that  thus  have  the  Lord  lor  their  God,  and  his  word 
for  their  guide!  In  the  contemplation  of  this  subject,  your 
speaker  would  fain  adopt  the  sentiment  of  one  who,  though 
of  another  nation,  is  yet  no  less  than  ourselyea  the  strenu- 
ous advocate  of  civil  and  religious  freedom,  and  say,  <*  my 
hope  for  my  country  is  not  built  upon  her  fleets  and  armies^ 
but  upon  the  stronger  ground  of  our  being  a  praying  peo- 
ple"— a  people  blessed  with  the  word,  the  sabbaths,  and 
the  sanctuary  of  the  Lord  of  hosts.  Take  these  away,  and 
wherein  shall  we  be  better  than  other  nations?  what 
shall  weh  ave  to  ensure  permanency  to  our  free  institu- 
tions more  than  had  ancient  Greece  or  Rome?  Is  there  a 
more  entliusiastic  love  of  liberty  in  our  breast,  or  more 
muscle  and  bone  in  our  arm  than  those  ancient  republicans 
could  boast?  No:  take  away  the  word  and  the  worship  of 
God  from  amongst  us,  and  we  shall  fall  before  our  feeblest 
foe;  the  strong  bond  that  now  unites  us  as  one  great  fami- 
ly, will  become  as  the  spider's  web;  the  mighty  fabric 
of  this  glorious  republic  will  sink  under  its  oww  weight; 
and  »» sic  transit  gloria'*  be  written  on  the  ruins  of  our  ca- 
pitol,  as  well  as  on  those  of  Babylon,  Troy,  Tyre  and 
Carthage.  But  wiiilst  we  continue  to  be  blessed  with  the 
saving  truths  and  sacred  institutions  of  Christianity,  we 
need  entertain  no  fears  for  our  liberty  or  happiness.  The 
word  of  Heaven  is  pledged  for  our  safety;  the  Lord  of 
hosts  is  with  us;  the  God  of  Jacob  is  our  refuge. 

Permit  me  then,  my  young  friends,  in  concluding  these 
remarks,  to  urge  upon  you  as  patriots,  as  enlightened  meu, 
as  the  rising  hope  of  our  country,  to  make  the  word  of  God 
your  daily  study,  and  to  revrrence  and  uphold  the  sacred 
institutions  which  it  has  established  in  our  land.  If  there 
were  no  religious  assemblies  throughout  our  country,  no 
^^cred  temples^  no  day  set  apart  for  divine  worship^  no 


an 

consecrated  memorials  of  the  being  and  dominion  of  a  God, 
and  'vf  the  ncrountability  of  man,  the  pillars  of  sorjety 
would  be  undermini'd,  public  order  and  social  happiness 
would  censp  from  amongst  us,  and  our  land  become  as  re- 
markable for  lawless  and  ferocious  violence,  as  it  now  is 
fof  fhe  blessings  of  good  order  and  peace.  Remember, 
therol'ore,  that  he  who  reviles  the  word  of  God  and  treats 
sacred  things  with  levity,  is  the  worst  enemy  to  society,  a 
very  Cataline  in  the  bosom  of  the  commonwealth.  Ami 
remember  also,  that  so  far  as  our  eternal  interests  are  con- 
cerned, it  is  not  the  possessi<>n  of  religion  by  us  as  a  na- 
tion that  will  avail  to  our  happiness,  either  here  or  hereaf- 
ter. We  must  tt-ei  a  personal  concern  m  its  saving  truths, 
and  have  an  individual  experience  of  its  life-giving  p  wer 
in  our  hearts,  before  we  can  rejoice  in  God,  or  hope  for  bis 
blessing  either  public  or  private. 

If  such  be  the  tendency,  such  the  blessed  effects  of 
Christianity  as  have  this  day  been  set  before  you,  carj 
you  desire  a  stronger  proof  that  it  is  a  revelation  trom 
heaven,  or  a  louder  call  to  interest  yourselves  in  the  re- 
ception and  extension  of  its  saving  benefits?  You  have  been 
shown  the  utter  insufficiency  of  mere  human  wisdom,  aod 
have  seen  how  far  short  all  the  lessons  of  ancient  morality 
have  fallen  of  promoting  the  happiness  of  man.  As  a  fur- 
ther testimony  on  this  subject.  let  me  refer  you  to  the  re- 
cent language  of  one  of  the  brightest  luminaries  of  our 
country,  who,  though  high  in  public  estimation,  is  content 
to  lay  all  his  honours  at  the  feet  of  Christ,  believing  with 
the  poet  that 

"  Christian  is  the  highest  style  of  man.'* 

«'  Public  virtue,"  says  this  learned  jurist  and  polishd 
writer,  «'  has  no  solid  basis  but  religion.  Mere  human  vir- 
tue is  a  cheat,  a  scintillation  at  best,  wbi(  h  we  set-  con- 
tinually extinguished  by  every  temptation,  Motbing  jtss 
t^^an  a  living  conviction  ol'  an  eyer-present  Gt^d,  before 


£9 

whom  we  are  acting  and  thinking  and  speaking,  and  that 
we  have  a  future  state  of  never-ending  existence  dependent 
on  bis  approbation,  can  impose  a  moment's  restraint  on  the 
indulgence  of  human  passion;  and  nothing  can  reconcile 
man  to  sucij  restraint,  but  the  formation  of  a  new  spirit 
within  him,  which  will  convert  that  restraint  into  liberty 
and  privilege,  and  make  the  service  of  God  bis  highest 
happiness  here,  as  well  as  his  only  sure  hope  hereafter. 
Tills  is  the  spiritual  work  of  the  gospel  of  the  Redeemer, 
which  has  <  brought  life  and  immortality  to  light,'  and  fur- 
nished to  man  a  motive  and  a  spring  of  action,  which  en= 
ables  him  to  tread  the  earth  and  its  vile  pursuits  beneath 
his  feet,  in  contemplation  of  the  immortality  to  which  he 
is  hastening." 

Is  it  your  ambition  to  excel  in  the  powers  of  thought 
and  in  the  graces  of  diction?  Read,  then,  the  Scriptures: 
for  in  them,  and  in  them  only,  is  found  truth  unmixed  with 
error;  in  tbem  only  isgrandeur  of  conception,  undebased  by 
the  littlenass  of  human  conceit;  and  in  them  (if  I  may  so 
speak,)  may  be  seen  the  very  mind  of  God  Nothing  can  be 
imagined  more  elevated,  more  glowing,  or  more  btrHutifui 
than  the  writings  of  the  inspired  penmen;  of  whom  it  has 
been  justly  said,  that  «•  their  energy  of  language  and  dig- 
nity of  style  are  equalled  only  by  the  unspeakable  sublimit 
ty  of  the  subjects  which  thpy  treat."  It  is  a  cheering 
prospect  to  the  christian  scholar,  that  the  learned  world  is 
awakening  to  the  importance  of  this  subject;  and  be  cannot 
but  indulge  the  hope  that  the  day  is  not  far  distant,  when 
noedufation  will  be  deemed  complete  without  a  knowledge 
of  the  scriptures,  and  when  the  volume  of  inspiration  shall 
b»  adopted  in  our  schools  as  the  standard  of  good  taste 
and  fine  writing,  no  less  than  of  sound  morals  and  true 
religion. 

But  among  the  many  motives  by  which  our  youth  may 
be  urged  to  the  study  of  the  word  of  God,  this  should  not  be 
oyeHook.ed,  yiz.  that  a  l^nowledge  of  the  sacred  writings  is 


so 

sjecesaary  to  correct  the  early  false  impressions  made  upoa 
the  mind  by  the  study  of  the  anriont  riassics  Lp!  me  not, 
ho\^ever,  from  this  remj^rk,  be  reckoned  among  those  who, 
in  S'-eking  to  improve  the  present  systems  of  education, 
^ould  entirely  exclude  those  heathen  writings  from  the 
place  which  long  prescription  has  assigned  them  in  a  libe- 
ral course  of  education.  My  only  aim,  in  adverting  to  this 
subjpct,  is  to  £(uard  the  unwary  mind  against  an>  errone- 
ous ideas  on  the  subj^'ct  of  religion  and  murals  which  it  is 
Iik«Iy  to  imbibi'  from  resorting  so  earl)  and  so  frequently 
to  the  sometimes  impure  fountains  of  antiqmty.  Our  youth  at 
school  are  tauglit  torea-l  the  deedsof  Pagan  heroes bel'ore  they 
are  competet»t  to  si'p,»rate  what  is  praiseworthy  from  what  is 
vile  m  'it»eir  characters;  and  it  ton  ohcn  happens,  that  to  read 
is  to  admire,  and  to  admire  is  to  emulate..  Thus  some  idol  of 
false  honour  is  set  up  and  consecrated,  an  erroneous  stand- 
ard ot  morals  is  established,  public  applause  becomes  the 
chief  incentive  to  virtue,  resentment  is  ennobled,  and  pride, 
and  many  other  hatelul  passions,  erect«d  ,into  honourable 
virtues.  Curiosity  in  these  things  is  apt  to  beget  venera- 
tion; daily  familiarity  strengthens  first  impressions;  the 
moral  taste  becomes  vitiated;  and  the  almost  certain  con- 
sequence is  a  disrelish  for  the  sober  and  blessed  realities  of 
the  Christian  faith.  Thus,  whilst  we  are  learning  from 
the  sages  of  ancient  times,  the  beauties  of  imagery,  the 
graces  of  diction,  the  arts  of  eloquence,  and  the  h<»rmony  of 
numbers,  we  need  some  sage  Mentor  at  hand  to  warn  us 
continually  against  their  principles,  which  insensibly  steal 
in  upon  us  through  the  fascinating  influences  of  poetry  and 
oratory.  Eminent  scholars  have  confessed  and  lamented 
the  ill  effects  experienced  in  themselves,  by  a  too  close  at- 
tention to  their  classical  •engagements.  They  have,  in  this 
way,  lost  their  relish  for  theological  study,  become  puffed 
up  with  the  vanity  of  conscious  erudi  ion,  and,  before  they 
were  aware  of  it,  acquired  so  debauched  a  mind  as  to  be- 
come first  neglecters,  then  despisers  and  opposers  of  the 


31 

reHgion  of  Christ.  If  such  bo.  the  effect  of  Ihese  studies  on 
the  mature  and  uell  disriplitied  student,  may  we  not  trem- 
ble for  their  deiiioralizint;  ii;fluiMC<^  on  the  plastic  and  in- 
cautious mind  of  youth?  and  need  we  wonder  at  the  school- 
boy who  asked  his  pi  •.y-fellovv,  »«  which  was  the  gre^iterj, 
Jupiter  or  God  Almighty?"  These  are  consideravions  which 
should  he  ever  present  with  p  .r'^nt^  und  teachers  of  youthj, 
in  order  thai,  by  a  timely  instruction  in  the  word  of  G  »u.  by 
•*  line  upon  line  and  precept  upon  precept,"  at  tlie  mater- 
na!  kn«  e.  and  m  the  earlier  stages  of  education,  they  may 
forestrtl  I  his  threatened  evil,  and  protect  their  youthful 
chargp  against  the  inroads  of  false  principles,  at  that  critic 
cal  period  of  life  when  the  mind  may  be  moulded  into  al< 
most  any  form. 

But  I  will  detain  you  no  longer.  My  young  friends,  I 
{bank  you,  and  this  respected  audience,  for  your  patient  at- 
tention, and  regret  that  I  have  been  able  to  repay  it  by  no 
better  offering.  If,  horvever,  what  has  been  said  sbali  tend, 
in  the  least  degree,  to  excite  in  your  breasts  an  increased 
sense  of  God's  goodness  to  us  as  a  people;  if  it  shall  inspire 
you  with  more  exalted  notions  of  the  religion  ot  Ct)rist;  en- 
able  vou  to  make  a  more  correct  estimate  of  true  happiness; 
or  suggest  to  you  juster  views  of  your  duty  as  citizens  ot 
this  favoured  republic;  I  shall  feel  as  if  I  had  not  spoken  al- 
together in  vain.  Let  me  once  more  entreat  you  then,  as  you 
value  your  best  interests,  to  study  diligently  that  volume 
which  contains  the  secret  of  your  happiness.  The  truths 
which  it  reveals  once  dwelt,undivulged,in  the  bosom  of  God. 
Its  every  sentence  is  charmed  with  the  divine  presence,  and 
is  powerful  to  the  saving  of  the  soul.  Its  doctrines  are  of 
everlastinginterest,  and  its  precepts  duly  reverenced  would 
liken  us  unto  God  himself.  All  ths  great  objects  of  this 
world's  history  lose  their  value  through  the  lapse  of  time; 
but  the  words  of  that  book  are  co-existent  with  the  immor- 
tality of  our  nature.  While  we  are  discussing  the  events  of 
the  day,  they  cease  to  be;  while  we  are  adopting  fashions. 


32 

tbey  become  obsolete;  while  defending  or  condemning  par- 
ties, they  fliange  siiles;  while  contemplating  opposing  fac- 
tions, t'ley  are  extinct.  Of  all  created  things,  mutability  and 
vanity  are  written  on  the  best  estate,  and  brief  is  their  dura- 
tion at  the  longest.  But  ♦'  the  word  of  the  Lord  endunth  for 
ever,  atsd  bis  mpmorial  to  all  generations."  Remember  that 
this  life,  which  is  now  opening  upon  you  in  all  its  flattering 
prospects,  is  nothing  more  tfiari  the  seed-time  of  eternity; 
and  that  tb^re  is  a  da^  at  hand  when  theproudf*9t  efforts  of 
unsancti^ed  genius,  and  the  brightest  accomplishments  of 
polished  life,  will  avail  you  nothing;  when  a  single  tear, 
shed  for  sin  over  the  page  of  eternal  truth,  shall  have  be- 
hind it  a  iDore  blessed  memory,  and  ensure  a  brighter  re- 
version above,  than  the  wisdom  of  a  Socrates,  combined 
with  the  wealth  of  i  Croesus  and  the  renown  of  a  Napo- 
leon. ♦»  In  hoc  vincei''*  is  inscribed  on  the  word  of  God,  ani? 
on  it  alone.  In  vain  will  you  seek  for  success  under  anv 
other  banner. 

"  Beware  what  earth  calls  happiness;  beware 
All  joys   but  joys  that  never  can  expire. 
In  vain  wc  seek  a  heaven  below  the  sky; 
The  world  has  false  but  flattering  charms; 
'^  Its  distant  joys  show  big  in  our  esteem. 

But  lessen  still  as  they  draw  near  the  eye. 
In  our  embrace  the  visions  die; 
And  when  we  grasp  the  airy  forms, 
Wc  loie  the  pleasing  dream." 


Delivered  befoi-e  the  Philanthropic  and  Dialectic  Societies  at  Chapel-Hinj^ 
on  the  20th  of  June,  1832. 


Gentlemen  of  the  Dialectic  and  Philanth7-opic  Societies :  ' 

Wiicn  I  look  around  on  this  extriiordinary  concourse 
of  visitors,  I  cannot  but  feel  that  expectation  has  been  too  highly 
excited,  and  cannot  but  anticipate  and  regret  the  disappointmejit 
which  it  must  necessarily  meet  with.     Aware  of  the  value  which 
is  here  set  upon  the  ceremony  of  the  annual   address;  knowing 
that  the  friends  of  the  U nivei'sity  throughout  the  State,  regard  it 
as  calculated  not  only  to  excite  a  spirit  of  emulation  among  tiic 
Students,  but  to  attract  t!ie  public  attention  to  the  Institution  it- 
self; and  warmly  attaciied  to  that  noble  cause,  for  the  advance- 
ment of  whiclj,  these  edifices  have  been  erected  and  your  associa- 
tions formed,  I    felt  myself  bound  to  acce])t  of  the  invitation,  in 
obedience  to  which  I  appear  before  you.     Could   1  indeed  have 
foreseen  the  unusual  engagements,  which  added  to  the  ordinary 
occupations  of  a  busy  life,  have  left  me  no  leisure  to  prepare  any 
(thing  W'Orthy  of  the  general  expectation,   I  should  have  deemed 
I  myself  at  liberty  to  decline  the  call.     But  the  discovery  w'as  not 
made  until  after  my  word  w  as  pledged,  and  it  w  as  too  late  to  hope 
that  the  duty  could  be  devolved  on  another*     Compelled  then  to 
choose  between  an  entire  disappointment  of  your  hopes,    and  the 
presenting  myself  to  you  without  the  advantages  of  full  preparation, 
I  have  resolved  to  execute  the  undertaking  imperfectly,  rather  than 
ifoi'ego  it  altogetlier.     To  whatever  petty  mortifications  the  adop- 
itiun  of  this  alternative  may  expose  me  elsewhere,  from  you,  my 
lyoung  friends,  I  am  sure  of  a  favourable  reception.     You  will  sec 
iin  it  an  expression  of  the  sense  which  I  entertain  of  the  honor 
(conferred  on  me,  by  your  choice,  of  my  readiness  to  gratify  your 
wishes,  and  of  my  solicitude  to  cheer  you  on  in  the  noble  career 
on  which  y(m  have  entered.     The  few  homely  truths  which  I  wish* 
! to  impress  upon  your  minds,  will  not  indeed  come  mended  from 
imy  tongue,  but  I  do  not  despair  thp.t,   presented  in  their  naked 
i  plaiimess,  but  urged  with  the  earnestness  and  sincerity  of  friendship, 
they  may  win  their  way  to  your  generous  and  affectionate  appro- 
bation. 

The  authority  of  Shakespeare  is  often  invoked  for  the  position, 

^that  ''there  is  a  tide   in  the  affairs  of  men,  which  taken  at  the 

flood  leads  on  to  fortune.*'     Without  venturing  to  deny  altogether 

] 


the  fitness  of  this  metaphor,  and  fully  admitthig  it  to  haA'c  enough 
of  ti'uth  to  i-ender  it  appropriate  to  the  occasion  for  which  it  was 
used,  and  the  character  to  whom  the  great  poet  assigned  it,  I  yet 
regard  it  as  too  favourable  to  that  indolence  of  disposition  which 
is  always  ready  to  imagine  success  in  life  as  depending  on  some 
fortunate  tide.  I  hold,  that  generally,  every  man  is  the  architect 
of  liis  own  fortune,  the  author  of  liis  own  greatness  or  insignifi- 
cance, happiness  or  misery.  True  it  is,  that  casualties,  neither 
to  be  foreseen  nor  prevented,  may  defeat  schemes  which  have  been 
wisely  concerted  and  vigorously  prosecuted  ;  and  that  success, 
undeserved,  and  perhaps  unsought  for,  may  sometimes  befal  the 
weak  and  slothful.  Tliese,  however,  are  but  occasional  deviations 
from  the  ordinary  course  of  nature,  according  to  which  man's 
energies,  wisely  or  foolishly  directed,  and  diligently  or  carelessly 
exerted,  are  made  to  determine  his  character  and  condition  in  so- 
ciety. The  stoutest  ship  that  was  ever  manned  with  prudent 
heads,  brave  hearts,  and  strong  hands,  has  foundered  in  a  hurri- 
cane, while  the  feeble  bai'k  that  "  owns  no  mastery  in  floating,"  is 
sometimes  safely  wafted  into  port ;  yet,  who  can  deny  that  ordi- 
narily the  fate  of  the  voyage  must  depend  on  the  skill,  care  and 
courage  with  which  it  is  conducted. 

Much  too,  very  much,  either  for  permanent  good  or  ill  in  the 
fate  of  every  individual,  has  been  found  to  follow  almost  necessa- 
rily from  the  habits  formed,  the  propensities  cherished  or  restrained, 
and  the  rules  of  conduct  adopted  at  a  vtery  early  ])eriod  of  life. 
ArYe  might,  perhaps,  be  tempted  to  regret  that  such  important  and 
often  awful  consequences  should  follow  on  the  doings  of  an  age, 
when  the  unworn  senses  are  alive  to  every  impression,  and  the 
keen  appetite  greedy  for  every  enjoyment ;  when  the  imagination 
is  wild,  the  judgment  feeble,  and  '"heedless  rambling  impulse" 
has  scarcely  learned  to  think.  Yet  such  is  the  constitution  of 
nature,  and  such  consequently  the  appointment  of  Him,  whose 
ways  are  always  wise,  benevolent  and  just,  and  whose  will  it  wei-e 
not  more  madness  to  resist,  than  it  is  impiety  to  question.  Look 
through  the  world,  and  the  least  observant  cannot  fail  to  discover 
talents  abused,  opportunities  squandered,  and  men  ruiiied,  because 
of  early  folly,  misbehaviour  or  thoughtlessness  ;  and  let  those  who 
have  passed  through  life's  ordeal  with  safety  and  honor,  look  back 
on  their  trials,  and  they  will  acknowledge  how  much  they  owe  t(»^ 
1  ery  early  impressions,  and  to  habits  contracted  almost  without  a 
sense  of  their  use  or  a  foresight  of  their  consequences.  He  there- 
fore, who  aspires  to  excellence,  cannot  too  soon  propose  to  himself 
the  objects  which  he  should  strive  to  obtain,  nor  lix  his  aim  too 
early,  or  too  steadily,  on  the  end  to  which  his  efforts  should  be  di- 
rected.   The  shortness  of  life,  the  large  fragments  of  it  which  are 


necessarily  occupied  by  animal  wants,  or  wastcdin  frivolous  care^ 
and  amusements,  leave,  at  best,  but  an  inconsiderable  portion  to 
be  devoted  to  intellectual  cultivation  and  exertion.  To  waste  this 
portion  would  be  criminal  improvidence,  and  it  is  of  the  higbest 
moment  to  learn  betimes  how  it  may  be  most  beneficially  applied. 
Tiie  end  which  an  ingenuous  youth  naturally  proposes  to  bimself 
is,  a  faitbful  and  honorable  discbarge  of  tbe  dtities  of  life.  His  ob- 
jects are  to  realize  tbe  fond  hopes  of  his  parents  and  friends,  to  ac- 
quire tbe  affection  and  esteem  of  tbose  around  him,  to  become  the 
dispenser  of  good  to  his  fellow-men,  and  thus  to  fulfil  the  purposes; 
for  which  it  has  pleased  God  to  place  him  in  this  world  of  trial  and 
discipline.  He  feels  that  these  objects,  are  indeed  good.  By  a  mo- 
ral instinct,  he  is  propelled  towards  them  as  fit  to  fill  his  heart, 
kindle  his  aspirations  and  animate  bis  exertions.  Reason,  as  she 
gradually  unfolds  her  powers  and  assumes  dominion  over  him, 
sanctions  this  choice  with  her  approbation  ;  and  Religion  comes 
in  aid  of  Nature  and  Reason,  to  teach  him  that  talents  are  but  lent 
to  be  improved,  and  that  an  account  must  be  one  day  rendered,  in 
which  their  use  or  neglect  will  be  amply  rewarded  or  sev  erely  pun- 
ished. How  much  is  it  not  to  be  lamented,  that  sloth  should  ener- 
vate, dissipation  corrupt,  or  vice  brutalize,  this  child  of  hope  and 
promise.  You  who  have  him  in  charge,  watch  over  him  with  ne- 
ver sleeping  vigilance  and  affectionate  solicitude.  Give  him  a  hap- 
py start,  sustain  him  when  disposed  to  flag,  reanimate  him  where 
discouraged,  check  kindly  his  wanderiugs,  soothe  his  wounded 
feelings,  guide  him  with  your  counsels,  and  save  him  from  the  foes 
by  which  he  is  waylaid  and  beset. 

Macfe  nova  virtule  pucv  sic  itiir  ad  astra. 
Most  faithfully,  no  doubt,  are  these  duties  performed  by  the  able 
and  excellent  men  who  are  here  charged  witli  the  oflice  of  insti'uc- 
tion.  Little  can  be  done  in  aiil  of  their  efforts,  but  to  exhort  and 
entreat  all  placed  under  their  care  to  attend  to  their  admonitions, 
treasure  up  their  counsels,  and  obey  their  injunctions.  Yet  there 
are  some  errors  which  were  prevalent  when  I  was  a  boy,  which  I 
have  reason  to  believe  still  prevail  in  public  schools,  and  which  may 
perhaps  be  better  handled  by  an  old  friend  t!ian  an  acknowledged 
instructor — and  to  these,  therefore,  I  would  for  a  few  moments  re- 
quest the  favorable  attention  of  the  younger  portion  of  my  hearers. 
---^Vigorous,  diligent  and  persevering  a])plication  is  essential  to  the 
attainment  of  excellence  in  every  pursuit  of  man.  It  is  undoubt- 
edly a  mistake  to  suppose,  that  there  is  no  original  inequality  in  the 
mental  faculties  of  different  individuals.  Probably,  there  is  as 
great  a  disparity  in  their  intellectual,  as  in  their  physical  confor- 
mation.    But  however  false  this  extravagant  theory  may  be,  there 


is  another  error  far  more  common,  and  practically,  far  more  mis^ 
chievous — the  error  of  exaggerating  the  difference  between  the  ori- 
ginal energies  of  intellect,  and  of  attributing  to  splendid  and  re- 
sistless genius  those  victories  which  are  not  to  le  achieved  but  by 
well  directed  and  continued  industry.  It  is  in  the  infancy  of  life, 
that  the  inequalities  of  original  talent  are  most  striking,  and  it  is 
not  strange,  that  vanity  on  the  one  hand,  and  indolent  admiration 
on  the  other,  should  hyperbolical ly  extol  these  obvious  advantages. 
In  what  this  disparity  consists,  it  may  not  be  easy  to  state  with 
precision.^\But  from  an  observation  of  many  years,  I  venture  to 
suggest,  that  the  chief  natural  superiority  manifested  by  the  favor- 
ed few  over  their  competitcu'S  in  the  intellectual  conflict,  is  to  be 
found  in  the  facility  with  which  their  attention  is  directed  and  con- 
fined to  its  proper  subjects.  That  youth  may  be  regarded  as  for- 
tunate indeed,  who  in  early  life  can  restrain  bis  wandering  thoughts 
and  tie  down  his  mind  at  will,  to  the  contemplation  of  whatever  he 
wishes  to  comprehend  and  to  make  his  own.  A  few  moments  of 
this  concentrated  application,  is  woith  days  and  weeks  of  a  vague, 
interrupted,  scattered  attention.  The  first  resembles  the  well 
known  manceuvre  in  Strategy,  so  sini])le  in  its  conception  and  yet 
so  astonishing  in  its  results,  by  which  all  the  arms  of  a  military 
force  arc  made  to  bear  upon  a  given  point  at  the  same  moment. 
£very  thing  Jiere  tells,  because  there  is  no  power  wasted,  and  none 
misapplied.  CVow  let  no  one  desj)air,  because  he  finds  this  effort 
to  confine  \n$  attention  difficult,  or  for  a  considerable  length  of 
time,  impracticable.  Nothing  is  more  certain,  than  that  this  pow- 
er over  the  mind  may  be  acquired.  Let  the  attempt  be  repeated 
again  and  again — first  for  short,  afterwards,  as  the  ability  is  in- 
creased, for  longer  periods,  and  success  will  ultimately  follow. — • 
The  hahit  of  fixed  attention  w  ill  thus  be  created,  and  it  is  one  of 
the  peculiarities  of  all  active  habits,  that  in  proportion  to  the  difl[i- 
culty  with  which  they  were  produced,  is  their  inveteracy,  when 
once  thoroughly  formed.  Thus  it  not  unfrequently  happens,  that 
the  advantages  with  which  the  individual  commenced  his  career, 
who  was  naturally  alert  and  devoted  in  his  attention  to  every  sub- 
ject, as  it  was  successively  ])i'escnted  to  his  notice,  have  not  ena- 
bled him  to  contend  successfully  with  him,  who,  by  hard  efforts, 
has  chained  down  his  wandering  thoughts  and  dissipates!  faculties 
to  the  habit  of  attention.-TC  Among  the  best  results  which  attend  a 
course  of  regular  academical  education,  is  this  exclusive  and  con- 
centrated direction  of  the  mental  powers  to  their  appropriate  ob- 
jects. In  the  years  employed  principally  in  the  study  of  the  learn- 
ed languages,  the  necessity  of  finding  out  the  meaning  of  each 
word,  and  discerning  either  the  agreement  between  different 
words,  or  the  depeudance  of  some  of  them  upon  others  in  certain 


grammatical  relations,   licccssarily  sliarpeiis  and  fixes  the  atten- 
tion.    After  this  prejiaratory  disri])line  of  the  intellect,  the  Stu- 
dent is  inti'oduced  to  the  study  ol' mathematical  science,  where  [wo- 
position  leads  on  to  projjosition  in  regular  order,  and  his  attc.stion 
is  Jiecessnrily  cjichained  to  each  trntli,  as  it  follows,  with  logical 
certainty,  from  truths  previously  den^onstrated.    He  is  then  initia- 
ted into  the  mysterious  laws  of  Natural  Philosophy,  as  they  iirive 
been  discovered.  e.x])]ained  and  illustrated  by  a  course  of  rigorous 
induction,   and  is  ultimalcly   familitsrized  Y,ith  the  yet  nobler  and 
more  sublime  investigations  of  moral  science,  the  refinements  of 
taste,  the  beauties  of  eloquence  and  tlie  charms  of  lieavenly  poesy. 
And  this  admirable  training,  is  conducted  I'emotc  from  the  bustle 
and  cares  of  the  world,  in  the  very  liush  of  the  passions,   and  be- 
yond the  reach  of  beguiiing  and  distracting  pleasures.     Here  sure- 
ly, then,   the  understar.ding  is  discipline^!,  its  discrimination  ren- 
dered moi'e  acr.te,  its  general  hca'lth  and   \igor  confirmed,  while 
a  facility  is  created  for  directing  its  powers  to  the  various  manly 
and  trying  services  which  may  a'v\  ait  it,  in  life's  busy  theatre, — 
'But  not  unfrequently  is,  the  question  liskcd  by  querclous  Students, 
why  rill  this  devoted  attentioii  to  the  dead  languages,  to  mathema- 
tical theorems,  philosophical  experiments,   metaphysical  disquisi- 
tions and  critical  subtleties  ?     in  the  world,   no  one  talks  Greek 
or  Latin,  and  at  the  foi-uni,  (sr  in  the  Legislative  liall,  we  shall  not 
be  called  upon  to  demonstrate  the  ]>ropositior!S  of  Euclid,  or  ex- 
! plain  the  phenomena  of  hydrostatics  and  optics.     Tlie  motives  of 
'human  action  are  bettei*  learned  in  that  great  practical  school,  the 
world,  than  by  poring  over  t!ie  theories  of  metaphysicians  ;    and 
all  the  rules  of  Qninclillian.    Roliin  oi' Blair,  v.ill  never  make  a 
lpo\\erful  reasoner  or  an  eloquent  orator.    Why,  then,  shall  we  con- 
sume our  nights  and  days  in  the  acquisit-on  of  tliat  which  is  to  be 
I  of  no  practical  utility  hereafter,  and  wliicli  brings  with  it  no  im- 
i  mediate  advantage,  except  th.e  gralifjcation  of  pride,  a  short-lived 
1  honor,  a   distinction    at    Commencenvcnt  r     Eeware,    my   young 
ifrieiids,    beware  of  the  tempter.     These   are  the  suggestions    of 
!  Sloth — the  most  insidious,  persuasive  and  dangerous  of  deceivers. 

"  Viinnda  est.  ii-proha  syren  Daldia.'''' 
Ilf  you  cannot  close  yo-n*  ears  against  her  insiiiuaticms.  strengthen 
*youi-  understandings  to  triunijdi  over  her  swphisms.  and  nerve  your 

coui-age  to  resist  her  wiles.     Ee  sure,  if  you  submit  to  her  benumb- 
ling  influence,  and  waste  your  days  here  in  idleness,  the  time  will 

come,  when  with  bitter,  but  perhaps  unavailing  anguish,  you  shall 
■bemoan  your  folly.     Remembex%  tliat  it  is  not  designed  by  an  aca- 

denr^al  e*Uication,  to  teach  yon  all  that  it  behoves  you  to  learn — 

Education  is  not  complete?!  within  tliese  walls.     When  you  shall 


JiaTC  quitted  tliis  peaceful  retreat,  and  selected  the  prc^ssioit  or 
state  in  life  in  which  ymx  are  to  be  engaged,  then  you  should  apply 
all  your  cffbrts  to  tlic  acquisition  of  that  species  of  knowledge 
which  is  more  especially  needed.  Here  are  inculcated  those  ele- 
mentary princt])les  of  science  and  literature,  which  experience  has 
shewn  to  be  best  fitted  to  form  the  foundation  of  the  character  of 
the  scholar  and  gentleman — those  rudiments  of  instruction,  which 
omitted  here,  are  rarely  indeed  acquired  afterwards.  Here  are  to 
be  formed  those  habits  of  vigorous  and  continuous  application — 
here,  the  capacities  for  improvement  are  to  be  cultivated  and 
strengthened,  so  that  every  occasion  and  every  employment  with- 
out these  walls  may  become  subsidiary  to  further  advancement  in 
knowledge,  ability  and  usefulnesss.  It  is  a  miserable  fallacy,  to 
mistake  the  exception  for  the  rule.  True  it  is,  that  those  who  have 
won  the  highest  honours  at  College,  do  not  always  realize  the 
hopes  which  these  glorious  beginnings  have  excited.  "  The  fair 
bloom  of  fairest  fruit"  may  be  be  blasted  by  pestilent  dews.  Fol- 
ly, vanity  and  vice,  low  pursuits  and  vulgar  associations,  indo^ 
leiice,  intemperance  and  debauchery,  but  too  often  debase  and  de- 
stroy the  generous  youth  who  entered  on  life's  career,  rich  in  aca- 
demical distinctions,  docile,  ardent  for  fame,  patient  of  labour,  of 
manly  purpose  and  noblest  promise.  Mourn  over  these  moral 
wrecks.  Lament  the  instability  of  all  earthly  good,  the  frail  cha- 
racter of  all  Inmian  excellence.  Weep  for  those  who  have  fallen 
from  their  high  estate,  but  say  not  it  was  folly  in  them  thus  to  have 
riseir.  True  it  is  also,  that  it  sometimes,  tliough.  very  rarely  hap- 
pens, that  those  who  have  been  idle  during  their  academical  course, 
have,  by  extraordinary  exertions,  retrieved  their  early  neglect,  an<l 
in  the  end,  outstripped  others  who  started  in  the  race  far  ahead. 
These  are  the  exceptions — they  furnish  cause  to  humble  arro- 
gance, check  presumption,  banish  despair,  and  encourage  refor- 
mation. But  so  surely  as  a  virtuous  life  usually  precedes  a  hapjyy 
death,  so  surely  it  will  be  found,  that  within  the  College  precincts, 
is  laid  the  groundwork  of  that  pre-eminence  afterward  acquired 
in  the  strife  of  men,  and  that  College  distinctions  are  not  only 
good  testimony  of  the  fidelity  with  whicli  College  duties  have  been 
performed,  but  the  best  presages  and  pledges  of  excellence  on  a 
more  elevated  and  extensive  field  of  action.  In  defiance,  there-  , 
fore,  of  all  the  lures  of  pleasure,  and  seductive  suggestions  of  sloth, 
let  active,  persevering  industry,  be  the  habit  of  y9ur  lives.  Form 
this  habit  here,  and  cherish  and  preserve  it  ever  afterwards. 

But  however  earnestly  you  are  thus  exhorted  to  diligence,  let  it 
not  be  forgotten^  that  diligence  itself  is  but  a  subordinate  quality, 
an<!  derives  its  chief  value  from  the  end  to  which  it  is  directed,  and 
the  motives  by  which  it  is  impelled.     It  is  diligence  in  a  good 


7 

cause  only  that  is  commendable.  The  first  great  maxim  of  liuniaif 
conduct,  that  whtch  it  is  all-important  to  impress  on  tlie  understand- 
ings of  young  men,  and  recommend  to  their  iiearty  adoption,  is,  above 
all  tilings,  in  all  circumstances,  and  under  every  emergency,  to 
preserve  a  clean  heart  and  an  honest  purpose.  Integrity,  firm, 
determined  integrity,  is  tliat  quality,  which  of  all  others,  raises 
man  to  the  highest  dignity  of  his  nature,  and  fits  him  to  adorn  and 
bless  the  sj)here  in  which  he  is  appointed  to  move.  Without  it, 
neither  genius  nor  learning,  neitlier  the  gifts  of  God,  nor  human 
exertions,  can  avail  aught  for  the  accomplishment  of  the  great 
objects  of  human  existence.  Integrity  is  the  crowning  virtue — 
integrity  is  the  pervading  principle  which  ought  to  regulate,  guide^ 
control  and  vivify  every  impulse,  desire  and  action.  Honesty  is- 
sometimes  spoken  of  as  a  vulgar  virtue  ;  and  perhaps  that  honesty, 
which  barely  refrains  from  mitraging  the  positive  i-ules  ordained 
by  society  for  the  protection  of  jiroperty,  and  which  ordinarily 
pays  its  debts  and  perfoi*ms  its  engagements,  however  useful  and 
commendable  a  quality,  is  not  to  be  numbered  among  the  highest 
efforts  6f  human  virtue.  But  that  integrity  which,  however  tempt- 
ing .the  opportunity,  or  however  secure  against  detection,  no  sel- 
fishness nor  resentment,  no  lust  of  power,  place,  favour,  profit  or 
pleasure,  can  cause  to  swerve  from  the  strict  rule  of  right,  is  the 
pej'fection  of  man's  moral  nature.  In  this  sense,  the  poet  was  right, 
when  he  pronounced  "an  honest  man  the  noblest  work  of  God." 
It  is  almost  inconceivable  what  an  erect  and  independent  spirit 
this  high  endowment  communicates  to  the  man,  and  what  a  moral 
intrepidity  and  vivifying  energy  it  imparts  to  his  character. 
There  is  a  family  alliance  between  all  the  virtues,  and  perfect  in- 
tegrity is  always  followed  by  a  train  of  goodly  qualities,  frankness, 
benevolence,  iiumanity,  patriotism,  promptness  to  act,  and  patience 
to  endure.  In  moments  of  public  need,  these  indicate  the  man  who 
is  worthy  of  universal  confidence.  Erected  on  such  a  basis,  and 
built  up  of  such  materials,  fame  is  enduring.  Such  is  the  fame  of 
our  Washington,  of  the  man  "inflexible  to  ill  and  obstinately 
just."  While,  therefore,  otlier  monuments,  intended  to  perpetuate 
human  greatness,  are  daily  mouldering  into  dust,  and  belie  the 
proud  inscriptions  which  they  bear,  the  solid  granite  pyramid  of 
liis  glory  lasts  from  age  to  age,  imperishable,  seen  afar  off,  loom- 
ing high  over  the  vast  desert,  a  mark,  a  sign  and  a  wonder,  for 
the  way-farcrs  through  this  pilgrimage  of  life. 

A  nice  sense  of  integrity  cannot,  therefore,  be  too  early  cherished, 
lortqo  sedulously  cultivated.  In  the  Aery  dawnings  of  life,  occa- 
sions are  presented  for  its  exercise.  Within  these  walls,  tempta- 
tions every  day  occur,  where  temporary  advantage  solicits  a  de- 
Tiation  from  the  rule  of  right.     In  the  d^charge  of  the  various 


8 

Unties  which  you  ov\  c  to  your  companions,  let  no  petty  selfishness 
be  indulgetl,  no  iirtifices  practised,  by  which  you  are  to  escape 
from  your  fair  share  of  hibour,  incouvenience  or  contribution,  or 
any  one  deprived  of  the  full  nieasiuc  of  whatever  he  may  right- 
fully claim.  Cultivate  singleness  of  purpose  and  franliness  of  de- 
meanor, and  hold  in  contemjit  whatever  is  sordid,  disingenuous, 
cunning  or  mean.  But  it  is  when  these  peaceful  shades  shall  have 
been  left  behind,  and  the  fitful  course  of  busy  life  begun,  that  se- 
ductions will  be  presented  under  every  form  by  which  inexperience, 
infirmity  of  purpose,  and  facility  of  disposition,  can  be  waylaid. 
Tlien  is  the  crisis  of  the  young  man's  fate — then  is  the  time  to  take 
bis  sta)ul,  to  seize  his  vantage  ground.  If  he  ca)i  then  defy  the  allure- 
ments of  cupidity,  sensuality  and  ambition,  the  laugh  of  fools,  the 
arts  of  parasites,  and  the  contagion  of  improbity;  then  indeed, 
may  he  hope, 

"  In  sight  of  mortal  and  immortal  powers, 

"  As  in  a  boundless  theatre  to  run 

"  The  great  career  of  justice — 

"  And  through  the  mists  of  passion  and  of  sense, 

"  And  through  tlie  tossing  tide  of  chance  and  pain 

"  To  hold  his  course  unfaultering."' 

You.  ray  young  friends,  who  are  standing  at  the  threshold,  and 
waiting  with  eager  impatience  the  signal  for  entrance  upon  life, 
must  not  think  that  I  mean  to  alarm  you  with  idle  fears,  because 
I  thus  warn  you  of  the  approaching  conflict.  The  enraged  bull 
may  close  his  eyes  before  he  rushes  upon  his  foe,  but  rational 
couj'age,  calmly  surveys  danger,  and  then  deliberately  jjrepares 
and  determines  to  encounter  it.  Apprized  of  your  peril,  and 
armed  for  the  encounter,  enter  on  your  course  with  resolved  hearts, 
and  fear  not  for  the  issue. 

So  sweet  are  the  notes  of  human  praise,  and  so  abhorrent  the 
tones  of  reproach,  th;it  it.is  among  the  highest  efforts  of  magnanimity 
to  pursue  the  straight  forward  course  of  duty  without  being  turned 
aside  by  commen*hition  or  reproof,  by  flattery  or  calumny. 
Whatever  be  our  journey  ihi'ougli  life.  like  the  princes  in  the  East- 
ern tale  ascending  the  mountain  in  seiirch  of  the  wondrous  bird, 
we  are  sure  to  hear  around  us  the  confused  sounds  of  blandishment 
and  solicitation,  of  menace  and  insult,  until  with  many  of  us.  the 
giddy  head  is  turned,  and  we  are  converted  into  monuments  of 
warning  to  those  who  are  to  follow  us  in  life's  adventure.  Rare 
indeed  is  that  moral  courage,  which,  like  the  prudent  Parisade, 
closes  its  ears  against  the  impression  of  these  sounds,  and  casts 
not  an  eye  beiiind  until  its  destined  course  be  accomplished.  Rare, 
however,  as  may  be  this  excellence,  and  in  its  perfection  perhaps 


unattainable,  there  can  be  no  true  dignity  and  derision  of  charac.- 
tei-  vitlioiit  a  near  approacli  to  it»  Let  youth  be  ever  modest  ever 
delereiitiai  to.the  counsels,  the  suggestions  and  the  claims  of  others. 
But  in  matters  of  right  and  wrong,  whatever  be  tlie  lures,  the 
taunts,  orthe  usages  of  tlie  world,  or  whatever  tlie  supposed  incon- 
veniences of  singularity,  let  judgment  and  conscience  always  rule 
with  absolute  sway.  Carry  this  maxim  with  you  through  life, 
whatever  be  the  station  you  are  to  occupy,  or  the  business  you  am 
to  pursue;  and  carry  witii  it  anotlier  kindred  maxim,  rely  for 
success  in  your  undertakings,  not  on  the  patronage  of  others,  but 
on  your  own  capacity,  resolution,  diligence  and  exertions.  Rise 
by  merit,  or  rise  not  at  all.  Suited  as  these  injunctions  are  believ- 
ed to  be  to  all,  they  are  peculiarly  addressed  to  those  among  you, 
who,  panting  for  renown,  are  resolved  to  enter  upon  a  public  ca- 
reer, and  long  "  to  read  their  history  in  a  nation's  eyes." 

"  How  wretched,"  exclaims  the  Poet  of  Nature,  ^'  is  that  poor 
man  who  hangs  on  Princes'  favours."     Miserable  is  the  condition 
of  every  being  who  hangs  on  the  favours  of  creati:res  like  himself. 
iDeserve,  and  strive  by  desert,  to  win  the  esteem  of  your  fellow-men. 
iThus  acquired,  it  decorates  him  who  obtains,  and  bic-ssos  those 
who  bestow  it.     To  them,  it  is  returned   in  faithful  service,   and 
to  him,  it  comes  in  aid  of  the  approbationof  conscience  to  animate 
diligence  and  reward  exertion.     Those  too,  who  engage  in  public 
service,  are  bound  to  cheiish  a  hearty  sympathy  with  the  wants, 
feelings,  comforts  and  wishes  of  tlie  people  whose  welfare  is  com- 
mitted to  their  cliarge.     It  is  essential  for  the  preservation  of  that 
confidence  whicii  ought  to  subsist  between  the  principal   and   the 
Ligent,  the  constituent  and  tlie  representative,  that  all  haughtiness 
and  reserve  should  be  banished  from  their  intercourse.     It  some- 
times happens,  that  he  who  hasjived  too  const;intly  among  books, 
manifests  a  disgust  in  an  associatiosi  with  the  uneducated  and  un- 
refined, which  mortifies  and  repels  them.     This  is  absurd  in  him, 
And  unjust  to  them.     It  is  absurd,  for  he  ought  to  know,  and  know 
well,  those  for  whom,  and  upon  whom,  he  expects  to  act — they 
constitute,  in  fact,  one  of  the  first  and  most  appro])riate  objerts  of 
iiitS  study  ;  and  it  is  unjust,  for  not  unfrequently,  under  this  rough- 
less  wdiich  shocks  the  man  of  books,  is  to  be  found  astockof  prac- 
iical  information,   in  which  he  is  miserably  deficient.     B.iuish, 
hen,  all  superciliousness,  for  it  is  criminal  and  ridiculous.     H  ni- 
-istly  seek  to  serve  your  country,  for  it  is  glorious  to  advance  the 
'jood  of  your  fellow-men,  and  thus,  »s  far  as  feeble  mortals  may, 
ict  up  to  the  great  example  of  Him  to  whose  im:!ge  an<l  likeness 
'ou  are  made.     Seek  also   by  all  honest    rts,  to  win  their  co  -fi- 
lence,  but  beware  how  you  ever  prefer  their  favour  to  tiieir  scr- 
ice.     The  high  road  of  seiwice  is  indeed  laborious,  exposed  to  tUe 


16 

v,Hin  aiul  suu,  tlie  heat  and  dust ;  while  the  by-path  of  favour  ha,^, 
apparently,  at  first,  much  the  same  direction,  and  is  bordered  witli 
ilo^\crs  and  sheltered  by  trees,  *'  cooled  with  fountains  and  mur- 
muring with  water-falls."  No  wonder,  then,  that  like  the  son  of 
Abensina,  in  Johnson's  beautiful  Apologue,  the  young  adventurer 
is  tempted  to  try  the  happy  experiment  of  uniting  pleasure  with 
business,  and  gaining  the  rewards  of  diligence  without  suffering 
its  fatigues.  But  once  entered  upon,  the  path  of  favour,  though 
found  to  decline  more  and  more  from  its  first  direction,  is  pursued 
through  all  its  deviations,  till  at  length,  even  the  thought  of  return 
to  the  road  of  service  is  utterly  abandoned.  To  court  the  fondness 
of  the  people,  is  found,  or  supposed  to  be,  easier  than  to  merit  their 
approbation.  Meanly  ambitious  of  public  trust,without  the  virtues 
to  deserve  it :  intent  on  personal  distinction,  and  having  foj'gotten 
the  ends  for  which  alone  itis  worth  possessing,  the  miserable  being 
concentered  all  in  self,  learns  to  pander  to  every  vulgar  prejudice, 
to  advocate  every  popular  error,  to  chime  in  with  every  dominant 
party,  to  fawn,  flatter  and  deceive,  and  becomes  a  demagogue. 
How  wretched  is  that  poor  being  who  hangs  on  the  people's  favour! 
All  manliuess  of  principle  has  been  lost  in  this  long  course  of 
meanness  ;  he  dai-e  not  use  his  temporary  popularity  for  any  pur- 
poses of  public  good,  in  which  there  may  be  a  hazard  of  forfeiting 
it;  and  the  very  eminence  to  which  he  is  exalted,  renders  but 
more  conspicuous  his  servility  and  degradation.  However  clear  the 
convictions  of  his  judgment,  however  strong  the  admonitions  of  his, 
as  yet,  not  thoroughly  stifled  conscience,  not  these,  not  the  law  of 
God,  nor  the  lule  of  right,  nor  the  public  good — but  the  caprice  of 
his  constituents,  must  be  his  only  guide.  Having  risen  by  artiiice, 
and  conscious  of  no  worth  to  support  him,  he  is  in  hourly  dread  of 
being  supplanted  in  the  favour  of  the  deluded  multitude  by  some 
more  cuuning  deceiver.  And  such,  sooner  or  later,  is  .sure  to  be 
his  fate.  At  some  unlucky  moment,  when  he  bears  his  blushing  , 
honours  tliick  upon  !iim,  (and  well  may  such  honours  blush!)  he  is 
jirked  from  his  elevation  by  some  more  dexterous  demagogue.',  and 
falls  unpilied,  never  to  rise  again.  And  can  this  be  the  lot  of  liim  v/ho 
has  been  hei-e  trained  to  admire  and  love  high-minded  excellence — 
who  has  been  taught  by  high  classical  authority  to  regard  na  ith  the  | 
same  fearless  and  immovable  indifference,  the  stern  countenance  of  ' 
the  tyrant  aid  the  wicked  ardour  of  the  multitude,  and  who  lias  learn- 
ed from  a  yet  higher  and  holier  authority,  to  hold  fast  on  '*  whatso- 
ever things  are  true,  whatsoever  things  are  honest,  whatsoever 
things  are  just,  whatsoever  things  are  pure,  to  abhor  that,  which  ; 
is  evil  and  cleave  to  that  which  is  good  ?"  Believe  me,  however, 
this  is  no  fancy  picture.  The  original  may  be  found  in  the  world 
every  day.     Nor  will  it  sui-prize  those  who  liave  had  occasion  to 


11 

h;cc  how  the  vain  heart  is  swoln,  and  ilic  giddy  head  turned,  ho%v 
honesty  oCpiii-pose  and  manliness  of  spirit,  are  perAerte<i  hy  popu- 
lar applause.  It  is  but  the  first  step  tliat  costs.  Oiue  yield  to 
the  suggestion,  that  a  little  deceit  or  prevarication,  a  sligiit  sacri- 
fice of  principle  and  independence,  a  compromise  of  conscience  in 
matters  not  absolutely  fundamental,  may  be  excused,  when  the 
immediate  gain  is  obvious  and  the  end  in  view  important,  and 
the  downward  path  becomes  every  day  more  and  more  smooth, 
until,  in  its  descent,  it  reach  the  very  abyss  of  vulgar,  trading, 
intriguing,  electioneering,  office-hunting  politicians.  If  in  this 
lowest  deptli,  a  lower  deep  can  be  found,  noiie  of  us,  I  am  sure, 
have  the  curiosity  to  explore  it. 

But  is  Integrity  sure  to  meet  here  its  merited  I'cward  ?  Unques- 
tioirably  not.  If  it  were,  and  the  fact  generally  known,  there 
would  scarcely  be  room  for  choice,  and  men  would  be  honest  from 
the  wasit  of  a  ])lausible  temptation  to  be  othervv  ise.  But  it  is  not 
too  much  to  say,  that,  in  general.  Integrity  lias  a  tendency  to  pro- 
mote the  interest  of  him  who  pursues  it.  and  it  is  therefore  recom- 
mended to  our  adoption  by  pi'udence,  not  less  than  by  principle. 
Success  in  the  acquisition  of  any  extrinsic  object  is  necessarily 
uncertain,  since  it  depends  on  contingencies  which  cannot  be  fore- 
seen, and  which  if  foreseen,  are  frequently  beyond  our  power.  It 
is  not  in  mortals  to  command  success.  No  talcitt,  no  courage,  no 
industry,  and  no  address,  can  be  certain  to  effect  it.  But  wiien 
it  is  attempted  by  cunning,  disingenuous  means,  it  is  usually  ren- 
dered more  difficult  of  attainment,  because  of  the  complexity  of  the 
scheme,  and  the  risk  of  detection  and  counteraction.  Honesty,  in 
the  long  run,  is  therefore  the  surer  policy.  It  is  impossible  to 
thrive  without  the  reputation  of  it,  and  it  is  far  easier  to  be  honest 
indeed,  than  to  cheat  the  world  into  the  belief  of  integrity,  where 
it  is  not.  The  crooked  sti'atagems,  the  arts,  toils,  concealments 
and  self-denials,  which  are  necessary  to  cari'y  on  a  successful 
imposition,  are  far  more  onerous  and  painful,  than  :ill  the  duties 
which  a  life  of  probity  enjoins  ;  while  the  consciousness  of  an  up- 
riglit  deportment,  diifuses  through  the  whole  man,  that  security 
and  serenity  which  infinitely  outweigh  all  the  advantages  of  suc- 
cessful cunning.  Nor  in  recommending  a  spirit  of  Independence, 
is  it  intended  to  proscribe  the  acceptance  of  friendly  aid,  freely 
tendered,  and  won  by  no  mean  solicitation.  Children  of  the  same 
common  family,  we  are  bound  to  help  each  other  in  the  trials  and 
difficulties  of  our  common  pilgrimage,  nor  should  we  ever  be  too 
proud  to  receive  from  others  that  assistance,  which  it  is  our  duty 
to  render  to  them.  Now  such  aid,  is  not  only  more  likely  to  be  be- 
stowed, but  comes  with  far  greater  effect,  when  there  has  been  a 
manly  and  sustained  effort  to  do  without  it.     The  spindling  plant 


12 

whicl)  lias  always  been  supported  by  a  prop,  is  not  only  nnable  to 
st^nd  p|:>;)P.  but  can  scarcely  be  sustained  by  props  when  the  sea- 
son of  fruit  arrives  ;  whereas,  the  slightest  assistance  then  be- 
stowed on  the  hardy  tree,  that  self  sustained  has  always  braved 
the  breeze,  will  enable  it  to  bear  up  under  the  heaviest  and  rich- 
est burthen.  He  who  trusts  to  others,  must  necessarily  be  often 
disappointed,  and  the  habit  of  dependence  creates  a  helplessness 
which  is  almost  incapable  of  exertion.  Fancy  dwells  on  expected 
aid,  until  it  mistakes  its  own  creations  for  realities,  and  the  child 
of  illusion  wastes  life  in  miserable  day-dreams,  unable  to  act  for 
himself,  and  confidently  relying  on  assistance  which  he  is  destined 
never  to  receive. 

Deeply  rooted  principles  of  probity,  confirmed  liabits  of  indus- 
tjy.  an<l  a  determination  to  rely  on  one's  own  exertion,  constitute 
then  tlie  great  preparation  for  the  discharge  of  the  duties  of  man, 
and  the  best  security  for  performing  them  with  honoi"  to  one's  self 
and  benefit  to  others.  But  it  may  be  asked,  what  is  there  in  sucli 
a  life  of  never  ending  toil,  effort  and  privation,  to  recommend  it  to 
the  acceptance  of  the  young  and  the  gay  ?  Tiiosc  who  aspire  to 
hei'oic  renown,  may  indeed  make  up  their  minds  to  embrace  these 
*'  hard  doctrines  :"  but  it  miiy  be  well  questioned,  whether  happi- 
ness is  not  preferable  to  greatnt?ss.  and  enjoyment  more  desirable 
than  distinction.  Let  others,  if  tlicy  v>  ill.  toil  up  '  tl;e  steep  where 
Fnme's  proud  temple  shines  afar,"  we  choose  j'ather  to  sport  in 
luxurious  ease  and  careless  glee  in  the  valley  below.  It  is,  in- 
deed, on  those  wlio  aspire  to  eminence,  that  these  injunctions  are 
intended  to  be  pressed  with  the  greatest  emphasis,  not  only  because 
a  faihire  in  them  would  be  more  disastrous  than  in  others,  but  be- 
cause they  are  exposed  to  greater  and  ujore  numei'ous  dangers  of 
error.  But  it  is  a  sad  mistake  to  suppose  that  they  are  not  suited 
to  all,  and  are  not  earnestly  urged  upon  all.  however  humble  their 
pretensions  or  moderate  their  views.  Happiness,  as  well  as  great- 
ness ejijoyment  as  well  as  renown,  have  no  friends  so  sure  as  In- 
tegrity, Diligence  and  Independence.  We  are  not  placed  here  to 
waste  our  days  in  wanton  riot  or  inglorious  ease,  with  appetites 
perpetually  gratified  and  never  palled,  exempted  from  all  care  and 
solicitude,  with  life  ever  fresh,  and  joys  ever  new.  He  who  has 
fitted  us  for  our  condition,  and  assigned  to  us  its  appropriate  du- 
ties, has  not  left  his  woi'k  unfinished,  and  omitted  to  provide  a 
penalty  for  the  neglect  of  our  obligations.  Labour  is  not  more 
the  duty,  tjjan  the  blessing  of  man.  Without  it,  there  is  neither 
mental  nor  physical  vigour,  health,  cheerfulness  nor  animation  ; 
neithei-  the  eagerness  of  hope,  nor  tlie  capacity  to  enjoy.  Every 
human  being  must  have  some  object  to  eng.ige  his  attention,  excite 
liis  wislies,  and  rouse  him  to  action,  or  he  sinks,  aprey  toJistless- 


18 

iiess.  For  want  of  proper  ocnipations,  sec  streniioiis  idleness  re- 
sorting to  ;!  tlioiisaiul  exjic'leiits — the  racc-r'>iiise,  the  hottle  or 
tlie  gaming-table,  the  frivolities  of  fashion,  the  dehasemeiits  of  sen- 
suality, the  petty  contentions  of  envy,  the  gi'ovelling  pnrscits  of 
avarice,  and  all  the  various  distracting  agitations  of  vice.  Call 
you  these  enjoyments  ?  Is  such  the  happiness  which  it  is  so  dread- 
ful to  forego  r 

"  Vast  happiness  enjoy  tli}'  gay  allies  ! 

"  A  jouth  of  follies,  an  old  ag'e  of  cares, 

"  Young  yet  enervate,  old  yet  never  wise  ; 

"  Vice  wastes  their  vigor  and  their  mirid  iinpairs. 

'*  Vain,  idle,  dissolute,  in  thoughtless  ease, 

"  Keserving  woes  for  age,  their  prime  they  spend  ; 

"  All  wretched,  iiopeless  to  the  evil  days, 

"  With  sorrow  to  tlie  verge  of  life  they  tend  ; 

"  Grieved  with  the  present,  of  the  past  ashamed  ; 

"  They  live  and  are  despised,  th.ey  die,  no  more  are  named." 

{f  to  every  bounty  of  Providence  there  be  annexed,  as  assuredly 
there  is,  some  obligation  as  a  condition  for  its  enjoyment ;  on  us, 
blest  as  we  Iiave  been,  and  as  we  novv  arc.  witii  tlic  choicest  gifts  of 
Heaven  here  below — with  freedom,  peace,  order,  civilization  and 
social  virtue — then  are  unquestionably  imposed  weighty  olliga- 
tions.  You  whom  I  now  address,  will,  in  a  few  years,  be  aniimg 
the  men  (tf  the  succeeding  age.  In  a  country  like  ours,  where  the 
public  will  is  wliolly  unfettered,  and  every  man  is  a  comp');ient 
part  of  that  countiy,  tliere  is  no  individual  so  humble  who  !ias  not 
duties  of  a  public  kinci  to  discharge.  His  vicMs  and  actions  have 
an  influence  on  tiio.se  of  others,  and  his  opinions,  witli  theirs,  serve 
to  make  up  that  public  will.  More  especially  is  this  thccaj^e  witli 
(hose  who,  whatever  may  be  their  purtiuits  in  life,  have  been  raised 
by  education  to  a  comparative  superiority  in  intellectual  vigor  and 
attainments.  On  you.  and  such  as  you,  depends  the  fate  of  the 
aiost  precious  heritage  eYcv  \^  on  by  the  valor,  or  preserved  by  the 
prudence,  or  consecrated  by  the  virtue  of  an  illustrious  ancestry — 
lillustrious.  not  because  of  factitious  titles,  but  nature's  riobles, 
wise,  good,  generous  and  brave!  To  you,  and  such  as  you,  will 
ic  connded  iti  deposit,  thein.stitutionsof  our  renowned  and  beloved 
country.  Receive  them  with  awe.  clicrish  them  with  loyalty,  and 
Tansmit  them  whole,  and  if  possible,  improved  to  y^ur  children. 
Tours  will,  indeed,  be  no  sinecui'c  ofiice.  As  the  public  will  is  the 
operative  spring  of  all  j)ublic  action,  it  will  be  your  duty  to  make 
md  to  keep  the  public  will  enlightene«l.  Tiierc  will  always  be  some 
'rror  to  dispel,  some  ])reju;iice  to  correct,  some  illusion  to  guard 
igainst,  some  imposition  to  detect  and  exp(Kse.  In  aid  of  tliese  in- 
liviUual  efforts,  yon  must  provide,  hy  public  institutions,  for  dif- 


14 

Ijising  among  the  ].)eople,  that  general  information  without  which 
they  cannot  be  protected  from  the  machinations  of  deceivers.  As  your 
country  grows  in  years,  you  must  also  cause  it  to  grow  in  science, 
literature,  arts  and  refinement.  It  will  be  for  you  to  develope 
and  multiply  its  resources,  to  check  the  faults  of  manners  as  they 
rise,  and  to  advance  the  cause  of  industry,  temperance,  moderation, 
justice,  morals  and  religion,  all  around  you.  On  you  too,  will  de- 
volve the  duty  which  has  been  too  long  neglected,  but  which  can- 
not with  impunity  be  neglected  mucli  longer,  of  providing  for  the 
mitigation,  and  (is  it  too  much  to  hopefor  in  North-Carolina?)  for 
the  ultimate  extirpation  of  the  worst  evil  that  afflicts  the  Southern 
part  of  our  Confederacy.  Full  well  do  you  know  to  what  I  refer, 
for  on  this  subject  there  is,  with  all  of  us,  a  morbid  sensitiveness 
which  gives  warning  even  of  an  approacli  to  it.  Disguise  the  truth 
as  we  may,  and  throw  the  blame  whei-e  we  will,  it  is  Slavery 
which,  more  than  any  other  cause,  keeps  us  back  in  the  career  of 
improvement.  It  stifles  industry  and  rej)resses  enterprize — it  is 
fatal  to  economy  and  providence — it  discourages  skill — impairs  our 
strength  as  a  community,  and  poisons  morals  at  the  fountain  head. 
How  this  evil  is  to  be  encountered,  how  subdued,  is  indeed  a  diffi- 
cult and  delicate  enquiry,  which  this  is  not  the  time  to  examine, 
nor  the  occasion  to  discuss.  I  felt,  however,  that  I  could  not  dis- 
charge my  duty,  without  referring  to  this  subject,  as  one  which 
ought  to  engage  the  prudence,  moderation  and  firmness  of  those 
"who,  sooner  or  later,  must  act  decisively  upon  it. 

I  would  not  depress  your  buoyant  spirits  with  gloomy  anticipa- 
tions, but  I  should  be  wanting  in  frankness,  if  1  did  not  state  my 
conviction  that  you  will  be  called  to  the  performance  of  other  duties 
unusually  grave  and  important.  Perils  surround  you  and  are  im- 
minent, which  will  require  clear  heads,  pure  intentions,  and  stout 
hearts,  to  discern  and  to  overcome.  There  is  no  side  on  which 
danger  may  not  make  its  approach,  but  from  the  wickedness  and 
madness  of  factions,  it  is  most  menacing.  Time'  was,  indeed, 
when  factions  contended  amongst  us  with  virulence  and  fury  ;  but 
they  were,  or  affected  to  be,  at  issue  on  questions  of  principle:  now, 
Americans  band  together  under  the  names  of  men,  and  wear  the 
livery,  and  put  on  the  badges  of  their  leaders.  Then,  the  indivi- 
duals of  the  different  pai'ties  were  found  side  by  side,  dispersed 
throughout  the  various  districts  of  our  confederated  Republic;  but 
now,  the  parties  that  distract  the  land,  are  almost  identified  with 
our  geographical  distinctions.  Now,  there  has  come  that  period, 
foreseen  and  dreaded  by  our  Washington,  by  him  "  who,  more 
than  any  other  individual,  founde i  this  our  wide-spreading  Em- 
pire; and  gave  to  our  western  wori.l  independence  and  fj-eedom" — 
by  ])im,  who  with  a  father's  warning-voice,   bade  us  beware  of 


15 

*•  parties  founikd  OH  geographical  discriminatioHS."     As  yet,  tlie 
sentiment  so  deeply  planted  in  tiie  hearts  of  our  honest  yeomanry, 
that  union  is  strength,  has  not  been  uprooted.     As  yet,  they  ac- 
knowledge the  tiuth,  and  feel  the  force  of  the  liomely,  but  excellent 
aphorism,  •'  United  we  stand,  divided  we  fall."     As  yet,  they  take 
pride  in  the  name  of  '<  the  United  States" — in  recollection  of  the 
fields  that  were  won,  the  blood   which  was  poured  forth,  and  the 
glory  which  was  gained  in  the  common  cause,  and  under  the  rom- 
mon  banner  of  a  united  country.     May  God,  in  his  mercy,   forbid 
•that  I,  or  you,  ray  friends,  should  live  to  see  the  day,  when  these 
sentiments  and  feelings  shall  be  extinct !    Whenever  tliat  day  comes, 
then  is  the  hour  at  hand,  when  this  glorious  Republic,  this  at  onc« 
national  and  confederated  Republic,  which  for  nearly   half  a  cen- 
tury has  presented  to  tiie  eyes,  the  hopes  and  the  gratitude  of  man, 
a  more  brilliant  and  lovely  image  than  Plato,  or  ;More,or  Harrington, 
ever  feigned  or  fancied,  shall  belike  a  tale  that  is  told,  like  a  vision 
that  hath  passed  away.  Butthesesentiments  and  feelings  are  neces- 
sarily weakened,  and  in  the  end  must  be  destroyed,  unless  the  mode- 
rate, the  good  and  the  wise  united,  "  frow  n  indignantly  upon  the  first 
itlawnings  of  every  attempt  to  alienate  any  portion  of  our  country 
from  the  rest,  or  to  enfeeble  the  sacred  tics  which  now  link  together 
its  various  parts."     Threats  of  resistance,  secession,  separation — 
have  become  common  as  household  words,  in  the  wicked  and  silly 
violence  of  public  declaimers.     The  public  ear  is  familiarized,  amL 
the  public  mind  will  soon  be  accustomed,  to  the  detestable  sugges- 
tion of  Disu\"iox!     Calculations  and  conjectures,   what  may  the 
East  do  without  the  South,  and  what  may  the  South  do    without 
the  East,    sneers,  menaces,  reproaches,  and  recriminations,   all 
ix?nd  to  the  same  fatal  end!     What  can  the  East  do  without  the 
South?  What  can  the  South  do  without  the  East?     They  may  do 
much  ;  they  may  exhibit  to  the  curiosity  of  political  anatomists, 
md  the  pity  and  wonder  of  the  world,  the  ^'disjecta  membra.''*  the 
Hindered  bleeding  limbs  of  a  once  gigantic  body  instinct  with   life 
md  strength  and  vigor.     They  can  furnish  to  the  philosophic  his- 
:orian,  another  melancholy  and  striking  instance  of  the  political 
ixioui,  that  al!  Republican  confederacies  have  an  inherent  and  una- 
voidable tendency  to  dissolution.     They  will  present  fields  and 
>ccasions  for  border  wars,  for  leagues  and  counter-leagues,  for  the 
intrigues  of  petty  statesmen,  the  struggles  of  militai-y  chiefs,  for 
■onfiscations,  insurrections,  and  deeds  of  darkest  hue.     They  will 
gladden  the  hearts  of  those  who  have  proclaimed,  that  men  are  not 
it  to  govern  themselves,  and  shed  a  aisastrous  eclipse  on  the  hopes 
if  )*ational  freedom  throughout  the  world.     Solon,  in  his  Code, 
iroposed  no  punishment  foi'  parricide,  treating  it  as  an  impossible 
rime.     Sucii,  with  us,  ouglit  to  be  the  crime  of  political  parricide 


-*-the  dismemberment  of  our  "  rather-Iand."     ^^Carisuntparcntes^  carl 
sun!  liberie  propiuqiii,  familiarcs,  seel  oinnes  omnium  curitates  patria  una  ; 
complexa  est ;  pro  qua  quis  bonus  dubitet  mortem  appdere  si  ei  sit profufu-  \ 
rus  .^     ^uo  est  detestabilior  istorum  imnianitas  qui  lacerarimt  scelere  pa-  j 
triam,  et  in  eafunditus  delenda  Qccupali  et  sunt  et  J uerunt.^^  \ 

If  it  must  be  so,  let  pariies  and  pai  ty  men  continue  to  quarrel  with  | 
litde  or  no  regard  to  the  public  giKid.     Tliej  may  mystify  themselves  | 
and  others  with  diS[jutations  on  jjolitical  economy,   proving  the   most  j 
opposite  doctrines  to  their  own  sati-ractiun,  and  ptriiaps,   to  the  con-  \ 
viciion  of  no  one  eise  on  t-arth.     They   may  deserve  reprobation  tor  i 
thc;r  •eifishness,   their  violence,    the.r  errors,   or  their   wickedness.  : 
Tiiey  muy  do  our  country  mucn  liarm.     Tliey  may  retard  its  growth,  , 
destroy  its  harmony,    impair  us  character,  render  its  institutions   un-  ' 
stab!H,  pei-vert  the  public  mind,  and  deprave  the  public  morals.   These  ' 
are,  indeed,  evils,  and  soie  evils,   but  the  principle  of  life  remains, 
and  will  yet  struggle  with  asiureil  .success,  over  tiiese  temporary  ma- 
ladies.    Still  we  aie  great,  i;,iorious,   united  and  free  j  slih  we  have  a 
name  that  is  revered  abroad  and  loveti    at  nome — a  name  whicli  is  a 
tower  of  strengtii  to  us  against  loreign  wrong,  and  a  bond  ol   inierual 
union  and  harmony — a.  name,   wiiicn  no   enemy   pronounces  but   with 
respect,  and  whicii  no  ciiizen  hear^,   but   witu  a  throb  of  exuliatioD. 
Still  we  have  ihal  blessed  Constitution,  which,  with  all  its  pretended 
defects,  and  ail  its  alleged  viulatio;.s,  has  conferred  more  benefit  on 
man,  than  ever  yet  flowed  fioin  any   other   human   institution — which 
ha-i  esabiished  justice,  insured  domestic  tranquillity,  provided  tor  the 
commoi  defence,  promoted   the  general    weilare,   and   which,    under  j 
God,  if  we  be  true  to  ourseivis,  will  insure  the   blessings  of  Liberty 
to  us  and  our  posterity. 

Surely,  such  a  Country,  and  such  a  Constitution,  have  claims  upon 
\ou,  my  friends,  which  cannot  b  .ii'Megarded.  I  entreat  and  adjure 
vou  then,  by  all  tnat  is  near  and  dear  to  you  on  eartn,  by  all  the  ob- 
ligations of  Patriotism,  by  the  memory  of  your  latiiers,  wno  fell  in  the 
great  and  glorious  struggle,  for  tiie  sake  of  your  sons  whom  you  would 
not  have  to  blush  for  your  degeneracy,  by  all  your  proud  recollections 
of  the  past,  and  all  your  fond  aniicpatio.is  «i  the  future  renown  of; 
our  nation — preserve  ciat  Country,  uphold  .hat  Consutution.  liesolve» 
that  they  shall  not  be  lost  wlule  in  youi  keeping,  and  may  God  AI-' 
mighty  strengthen  you  to  peiform  that  vow! 


Ct  li^jitr  ;'* , 


-o 


